Dengue refers to a tropical disease caused by four different types of virus. It is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and the common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and skin rash. The viruses of this disease generally last for around 10 days. The areas most affected by dengue include the tropical and subtropical regions: India And other parts of South East Asia, China, Africa, Taiwan and Mexico among others.
Currently, there is no vaccine to guard you against dengue and the only way to prevent this disease is protecting yourself against mosquito bites. So, you have to rely on mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, net screen on your doors and windows, and clothes that cover you well. Also, don’t allow water to accumulate and stagnate in and around your house and keep your bin boxes well covered. Both can be the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The standard line of treatment for mild cases of this mosquito-borne fever includes painkillers like paracetamol. Another important aspect of dengue control is taking care of dehydration. So, drinking plenty of clean water is necessary. However, patients with severe symptoms may need hospitalisation. The patient may need Intravenous fluid or electrolyte supplementation, constant blood pressure monitoring and even blood transfusion.
Dr Amitabh Parti, additional director, internal medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Delhi sheds light on dengue — causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention.
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