It’s difficult to curb dengue as it is a virus, says NMMC official

Those in the satellite city are spending worried nights, thanks to an increase in the number of dengue and malaria-affected persons. However, the NMMC official in-charge of the health department has b

By: Agencies | | Updated: April 21, 2014 3:30 pm

Those in the satellite city are spending worried nights, thanks to an increase in the number of dengue and malaria-affected persons. However, the NMMC official in-charge of the health department has brushed off the epidemic, saying it is a virus and little can be done to keep it at bay. He, though, said that the department is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the numbers are arrested. Also Read - Another virus from China can spread disease in India: ICMR

NMMC’s medical officer of health (MOH), Dr Ramesh Nikam, said dengue is a virus that makes its way to a human body through mosquitoes. Also Read - Previous exposure to dengue may provide some immunity against COVID-19

‘The mosquitoes’ body is suitable for the dengue virus and it enters it easily. This way, mosquitoes become carriers of the dengue virus and once they bite any human, the virus is automatically transformed,’ Dr Nikam said. Also Read - Avoid these foods if you have dengue fever

He added that though the civic administration is taking all measures such as fogging during morning as well as evening hours, spraying of pesticides, it becomes practically difficult to control the spreading of an epidemic, since it is a viral disease. This statement of the official assumes importance since the standing committee of NMMC, during its meeting on Wednesday, took the administration to task over rising dengue and malaria cases in the satellite city.

The committee members were of the view that the officials failed to carry out their duties responsibly, leading to more and more Navi Mumbaikars contracting this disease. They asked why people were contracting these diseases, despite the health department officials stating that they are taking all the necessary steps to check the numbers.

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.

Medication

Because dengue fever is a viral infection, there is no specific treatment for the condition. The patient should seek medical advice and drink plenty of fluids. Symptomatic relief can be sought using NSAIDs (Non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs) such as Paracetamol. But drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken since they can increase the risk of bleeding. For severe dengue, medical care by experienced physicians can frequently save lives. It is important to maintain the fluid volume of the patient for recuperation of the patient.

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.

Source: DNA/Bhalchandra Chorghade

Published : October 27, 2013 3:00 pm | Updated:April 21, 2014 3:30 pm

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