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Exclusive on Dengue Fever Part 1
Vikas Sharma. Dated: 9/15/2017 1:30:27 PM
Dengue is one of the
most rapidly spreading vector-borne
communicable diseases in state as well as the country.Transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, dengue can be fatal, and it does not have a vaccine or cure, so the emphasis is on prevention.
Let us talk over this burning issue with Dr SS Sambyal, who is a specialist and also a medical officer.
Vikas Sharma
Q 1: What is dengue fever?
SS: Dengue fever is a serious illness caused by a virus, which is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Occasionally the patient suffering from dengue may develop complications such as bleeding from the nose, gums or skin. Sometimes, the patient may have vomiting that looks similar to ground coffee, or pass black stools.
This indicates bleeding in gastrointestinal tracts and it is serious. A patient with dengue who develops bleeding has dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). In rare instances, the patient suffering from dengue may develop shock or insufficient blood circulation, which is called dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
Q 2: How does dengue spread?
SS: Dengue is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquito transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else. The time between the bite of a mosquito carrying dengue virus and the start of symptoms averages from 4 to 6 days, with a range of 3–14 days. An infected person cannot spread the infection to other persons by direct contact, but can be a source of dengue virus for mosquitoes for about 6 days.
Q 3: Who is at risk for dengue?
Anyone who is bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito can get dengue fever. Risk factors for dengue haemorrhagic fever include a person’s age and immune status, as well as the type of infecting virus. Persons who were previously infected with one or more types of dengue virus are thought to be at greater risk for developing dengue haemorrhagic fever if infected again.
Q 4: How can a diagnosis of dengue be confirmed?
SS: Apart from the clinical features, there are laboratory tests which can confirm dengue infection. There are different methods, with different levels of accuracy, and these tests should be conducted in reliable laboratories. The tests include antigen detection tests which are the earliest to become positive, and antibody detection tests, which become positive after day 5 of the illness.
Q 5 : Can dengue fever be treated at home?
SS: Most patients with dengue fever can be treated at home. They should take rest, drink plenty of fluids and maintain a nutritious diet. Whenever available, oral rehydration salts (commonly used in treating diarrhoea) should be taken. Sufficient fluid intake is very important, and becomes critical if the fever progresses into dengue haemorrhagic fever, where loss of body fluid/blood is the most salient feature. It is important to look out for danger signs and contact the doctor as soon as one or more of these are noticed
Q 6: What is the treatment? Is it curable?
Like most viral diseases, there is no specific cure for dengue fever. Antibiotics do not help. Paracetamol is the drug of choice to bring down fever and joint pain. Other medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided since they can increase the risk of bleeding. Doctors should be very careful when prescribing medicines. Any medicine that decreases the platelet count should be avoided.