Dengue is one of the serious infections that are caused by four most closely related dengue viruses which is mosquito borne and is very painful. These viruses are similar to viruses that cause Yellow fever and West Nile infection.
Dengue infections are common across the world and major areas where the incidence are high includes,
Signs of Dengue fever:
The person has the symptoms usually after four to six days of infection and will last for up to ten days. It includes,
Those people who have compromised or weak immune system and those with subsequent or repeated infection have greater chances of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.
How Dengue is diagnosed?
A simple blood test can be done to detect the virus or antibodies which confirm dengue. The platelet count is looked for and if it is low than the normal levels, it might confirm the infection.
Treatment:
Dengue cannot be treated with any specific medicine and pain medications are advised to relieve body and headaches. Intake of aspirin should be avoided as it worsens if there is any bleeding. Complete rest and drinking of plenty of water should be followed. If the patient’s condition worsens he/she should be admitted in the hospital to avoid further complications.
Preventive measures:
As of now there is no vaccine to prevent from dengue. The only way to prevent from the disease is to avoid the mosquito bites where the infection is more prevalent. These measures can be followed to make ourselves protected,
If someone in the family gets dengue, the other persons should be careful in protecting themselves because the mosquito bites will spread to them too.
Dengue infections are common across the world and major areas where the incidence are high includes,
- Indian subcontinent
- South east Asia
- Southern parts of China
- Taiwan
- Pacific islands
- Mexico
- African region
Signs of Dengue fever:
The person has the symptoms usually after four to six days of infection and will last for up to ten days. It includes,
- Sudden onset of high grade temperature
- Severe aching of head
- Pain on eye region
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Rashes in the skin that appear after 2 to 5 days of fever
- Bleeding in the nose and gums
Those people who have compromised or weak immune system and those with subsequent or repeated infection have greater chances of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.
How Dengue is diagnosed?
A simple blood test can be done to detect the virus or antibodies which confirm dengue. The platelet count is looked for and if it is low than the normal levels, it might confirm the infection.
Treatment:
Dengue cannot be treated with any specific medicine and pain medications are advised to relieve body and headaches. Intake of aspirin should be avoided as it worsens if there is any bleeding. Complete rest and drinking of plenty of water should be followed. If the patient’s condition worsens he/she should be admitted in the hospital to avoid further complications.
Preventive measures:
As of now there is no vaccine to prevent from dengue. The only way to prevent from the disease is to avoid the mosquito bites where the infection is more prevalent. These measures can be followed to make ourselves protected,
- Residing in crowded areas should be avoided.
- Mosquito repellents should be used.
- While stepping out try to wear long sleeved and fully covered dresses to avoid biting of the mosquito biting.
- Air conditioners can be used while you are at home.
- Mosquito nets can be used. Also check for any holes in the door and window screen.
If someone in the family gets dengue, the other persons should be careful in protecting themselves because the mosquito bites will spread to them too.