OUTBREAK OF DENGUE FEVER

Dengue fever has become a major concern in India in the last decade. Dengue fever was reported in over 1.9 lakh cases in 2021. Dengue fever, also known as break-bone disease, is a vector-borne disease that can be very painful and even fatal. It is spread by Aedes mosquitos. Yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are all spread by mosquitos.

Dengue fever begins with a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, and occasionally bleeding. Mild dengue symptoms can be confused with those of other infections that cause fever, aches, pains, or a rash.

High fever without warning, which usually appears four to six days after infection and can last up to ten days Chronic headaches, Pain in the back of the eye, Excruciating joint and muscular pain Nausea or fatigue Vomiting and a rash appear two to five days after the fever begins.

Treatment

Dengue fever has no specific treatment; however, patients who have been diagnosed should rest, stay hydrated, and seek medical advice. Fever reducers and pain relievers are commonly prescribed to patients to alleviate muscle aches and pains as well as fever. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, should be avoided, according to the WHO, because they can cause haemorrhage.

Prevention

•       Stagnant water should be removed at least once a week from plastic containers, buckets, used automobile tyres, water coolers, pet watering containers, and flower vases, among other places.

•       To prevent mosquito breeding, larvicides should be used in water storage containers that cannot be emptied, and all water storage containers should be covered with a lid.

•       To avoid mosquito bites during the day, use aerosol and other repellents.

•       People should wear clothing that covers their arms and legs and use mosquito repellents during dengue season (rainy season).

•       When sleeping during the day, mosquito nets or repellents should be used.