Delhi Dengue Update: Toll reaches 4,402

The number of those testing positive for the dengue virus in the national capital reached 4,402 on Monday, the municipal health officer said.

By: Agencies | | Updated: October 29, 2013 10:37 am

The number of those testing positive for the dengue virus in the national capital reached 4,402 on Monday, the municipal health officer said. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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There were 4,207 cases on Thursday last. Also Read - Capital records increase in dengue cases since last year

Of the total 4,402 cases so far, 4,354 were reported from Delhi alone, while the remaining are from adjoining states.

There have been six deaths due to dengue in the national capital. Eight other deaths are suspected to be on account of this vector-borne disease, civic authorities in the capital said.

The north corporation has had the highest number of dengue cases, at 1,876, while in the south and east corporations, the number of cases stands at 1,298 and 1,061, respectively.

What is dengue?

It is a tropical disease, usually transmitted by mosquitoes and the common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and skin rash. There is no vaccine for dengue and the only way to reduce infections is to improve hygiene levels so as to prevent mosquito-bites and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. It’s particularly difficult to create a vaccine because it’s caused by different viruses and there are no animal models available for testing. The disease kills over five thousand Indians every year and is a seasonal threat, particularly during the monsoon seasons.

What are the symptoms of dengue?

Characterized by severe flu-like symptoms, dengue affects infants, children and adults alike and could be fatal. The clinical manifestations of dengue vary with the age of the patient. A person suffering from high fever in the range of 40 C/ 104 F, accompanied by any two of the following symptoms could be suffering from dengue:

Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Nausea, Vomiting
Swollen glands
Muscle and joint pains
Rash

Symptoms usually last for 2-7 days. Dengue could progress to severe dengue, a potentially fatal complication, causing leaking of plasma, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding and organ impairment.

The warning signs to look out for occur 3-7 days after the first symptoms along with a decrease in temperature are:

Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Rapid breathing
Bleeding gums
Blood in vomit
Fatigue, restlessness

The next 24-48 hours of the critical stage can be lethal; proper medical care is needed to avoid complications and risk of death.

Prevention

Dengue is a communicable diseases spread by mosquitoes from one human to another. So, the only way it can really be prevented is by avoiding mosquito bites. One can make sure all egg-laying habitats of mosquitoes like open and stagnant water source are cleaned up. If there are any open water sources you cannot eliminate, cover them and apply appropriate insecticides. Use protection such as window screens, long-sleeved clothes, and insecticide treated materials, coils and vaporizers.

With inputs from IANS

Published : October 29, 2013 10:09 am | Updated:October 29, 2013 10:37 am

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