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TALK SHOW

Vikas Sharma. Dated: 9/22/2017 10:41:23 AM

Continuing our weekly topic, Talk Show, we are here again with the Dr SS Sambyal, (Medical Officer) who is sharing important facts about the prevention and causes of Dengue fever.
Vikas Sharma
VS: What are the main causes of Dengue fever?
SS: There are many causes of Dengue fever, but the main causes are Dengue or breakbone fever, is spread by infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and albopictus varieties
Transmission occurs in a cycle: An infected human is bitten by a mosquito which then further bites some other human, and the cycle continues.
The mosquitoes normally bite during the day, especially early morning or in the evening before dusk
Pools of stagnant water often serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Other places where mosquitoes multiply,
Containers near buildings under construction
Discarded human waste
Old car tyres where water accumulates
Major cities in developing countries have higher rates of dengue as they have poor sanitation.
VS: What are the tests recommended by a doctor to diagnose dengue?
SS: Dengue fever testing determines whether a person displaying symptoms and recent exposure to dengue, has been infected. It is difficult to diagnose, as some symptoms resemble that of malaria. Two types of tests available are: Antibody tests, Mainly used to diagnose current or recent infection
Detects various classes of anti-bodies which are produced in response to the infection:
IgG IgM A combination of these tests may be required as the immune system produces a wide range of antibodies over the course of the ailment
IgM antibodies are the first to be produced. Tests for this type of antibodies are most successful when performed at least 7 to 10 days after exposure.
Levels of IgM rise for a few weeks, then gradually decrease. A few months later, anti-bodies fall below discernible levels.
VS: What you suggest as the accurate cure for dengue fever?
SS: As dengue is caused by a virus, no specific medication or antibiotics can be used treat it. The only treatment is to treat the symptoms. Relieving the symptoms include taking plenty of rest and adequate hydration.
VS: Please, suggest some measures to prevent this dengue fever?
SS: There are many measures to prevent this fever, but the primary method to prevent transmission of dengue virus is to combat mosquitoes. This can be done by: Preventing mosquitoes to access environments conducive to breeding, Proper solid waste disposal and removing man-made habitats, Covering, changing and cleaning domestic water containers, weekly, Using insecticides in outdoor water storage vessels, Ensuring that households have: Window-screens.
Insecticides: Coils and vapourizers, Involving communities to participate in pest control (especially vectors), spraying insecticides during outbreaks, for emergency control, Wearing loose, full sleeved clothing to avoid skin exposure. Mosquitoes are able to bite through tight fitting clothes, so they should be avoided. Applying insect repellents (N-diethyl-meta-toluamide or DEET); especially around dawn or dusk, DEET should not be applied on babies younger than two months, Younger children should only apply low concentrations of the repellents (20 to 30% DEET).