Why we should be careful of Dengue?

Dengue is a serious viral disease transmitted by the bite of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The mosquito gets the virus by biting the infected people. Dengue mosquitoes breed in clear water collections like pots, flower vases, yogurt cups, coconut cells, tires, plant saucers, jars, drums, barrels, tanks. The rest indoors and in other dark places. The female mosquito lays her eggs in water containers and eggs can be live for more than one year. Infected mosquito with the dengue virus can spread the disease by these eggs which contain the virus.

The first symptoms of the disease occur about 5-7 days after an infected mosquito bite.

Dengue fever can be caused by four types of Dengue Virus I, II, III, IV, and it occurs in two forms of Dengue Fever.

2)  Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever symptoms of Dengue. Sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes vomiting, muscles, and joints pain.

Therefore it is very important to recognize early signs and symptoms. Persons suspected of having Dengue must see a doctor at once. Dengue Haemorrhagic fever is a deadly disease and early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If the fever lasts for more than two days by doing a full Blood Count will make Diagnosis easier. Dengue Antigen tests can be performed with the onset of fever.

In Dengue Haemorrhagic fever bleeding and sometimes shock occur symptoms of bleeding usually occur after 3-5 days of fever. In Dengue Hemorrhagic fever a shock with additional symptoms like severe pain in the abdomen. Bleeding from mouth gums, or skin bruising can occur frequent vomiting with blood, black stools like coal tar can occur. Pale cold skin, restlessness are signs of shock.

When Dengue fever is suspected the patient should rest and should take adequate fluids (water, soup, fruits juice) to bring down the fever the only a drug that is recommended is Paracetamol the patient should be kept under a mosquito net.

Prevention is always better than the cure-all efforts of control should be directed against the mosquitoes. It is important to take control measures to destroy mosquito breeding places. Community empowerment for the elimination of objects where water collects (eg. bottles, cups, drums, pots, tires, tins, toys items). Attention should be made to root gutters. Special attention should be made to working places, religious places, and schools.

Dr. Indika Ellawela

Chief Medical Officer of the Public Health Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.