Precautionary Measures Amidst Rising Dengue Cases

Precautionary Measures Amidst Rising Dengue Cases

Healthcare News

As per latest news reports the incidences of dengue are on a rise across several parts of India. The Southwest Monsoon in southern India has led to a spike in dengue cases.

The dengue fever is a life-threatening disease if not treated on time, it may weaken a person’s immunity and cause irreparable damage to health leading to death in few cases.

Major cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Uttarakhand have reported deaths due to dengue and in other cities like Delhi and Kolkata are witnessing surge in dengue cases.

It has been observed that in the dengue cases reported, there has been infections both water-borne as well as vector-borne.

The alarming symptoms among patients are fever with chills, headache mainly behind the eyes, body ache, nausea, and weakness.

In case a person experiences these symptoms, it is advised to visit the doctor and abstain from self-medication and avoid over-the-counter painkillers as they can be dangerous. Proper medical attention and treatment are highly important for recovering from dengue.

As per the news reports, causes of fever like typhoid, chikungunya, influenza, and scrub typhus are also at a rise and their treatment may differ therefore it is highly crucial to consult the doctor at the earliest in case of fever like symptoms.

The current dengue outbreak is concerning due to the co-occurrence of severe fever, thrombocytopenia, and dengue hepatitis, making it crucial for all to be vigilant and visit doctor at the earliest, so that the symptoms can be managed tactfully.

Precautions to avoid Dengue:

The most important thing to avoid this situation is to maintain basic hygiene around us. This may include personal measures like using mosquito repellents, preventing water logging in the surroundings, keeping dustbins covered, and avoiding mosquito breeding in the neighborhood.

Important points to keep in mind while suffering from dengue

One must take the following measures when dealing with dengue:

  • Self-medication is a strict no. Avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin.

  • The patient suffering from dengue must rest as much as possible.

  • Patient’s skin should be sponged with cool water if fever remains high.

  • Plenty of fluids should be consumed to avoid dehydration.

  • One must use mosquito net while sleeping.

  • All the containers that carry water must be emptied and any water accumulation around the house should be eliminated.

Protecting others is crucial

During the first week of infection, dengue virus is found in the blood of an infected person. If a mosquito bites an infected person, the mosquito becomes infected. The infected mosquito can spread the virus to other people through bites. Avoid mosquito bites to keep other family members from getting dengue.

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

  • Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.

  • Use air conditioning if available.

Dengue is a life-threatening disease and is currently on a surge in India. However, timely precautions can help in preventing and reducing risk of this disease.