Like other parts of the city, north Bengaluru too has been
in the grip of dengue fever which has been spreading from mid-June.
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| Storm water drain |
But, doctors that North BangalorePost spoke to say there is
no need to panic as long as vital parametres are monitored once it is
confirmed. They also insist that not all cases of viral fever are dengue. Only
about 5% of them require hospitalisation and further tests.
So,
what is dengue?
It
is flu-like viral fever that is spread by mosquito bites. The severe form
potentially kills 1 in 5 confirmed dengue-affected patients; however with early
recognition and treatment, fatality rate can be as low as one in 100.
Why
do you need to know about dengue?
The
incidence of this infection is increasing tremendously across the globe.
Hospitals in Bengaluru and at Aster CMI in Hebbal too are witnessing the same
trend, says Dr Pradeep Naik, its Chief Medical Officer.
As
Bangalore’s construction sites increase, many of them have become mosquito
breeding areas. Unfortunately, in most cases the affected individuals arrive at
hospitals too late, as a result of which the best chance for successful
treatment is lost.
When
and in whom does this infection occur?
It
occurs primarily between April and October and affects all ages. It is more
severe in children and older people.
Can
it affect the same person a second time?
Yes,
dengue is caused by mosquitoes that carry the virus and can occur more than
once. The repeat infection is much more severe, doctors have observed.
What
are the Symptoms of Dengue?
Children
primarily have fever, vomiting and sometimes rash or facial flush. Adults have
fever, severe headache, pain behind their eyes, body aches and rash. The fever
usually continuities for two to seven days.
What
is severe Dengue, how does it cause fatalities?
Severe
dengue is characterized by high fever and malfunction of certain key organs in
the body. It makes the body's blood vessels very 'leaky', leading to loss of
body fluids, swelling of the body and very low blood pressure. The illness is
characterised by lowering of the blood component called 'platelets' leading to
bleeding from anywhere in the body.
Can
Dengue spread from person to person?
Wherever
mosquitoes are present Dengue can spread.
What
is the best treatment?
There
is no specific drug to treat this. The key is to recognize it early and get treated
in an experienced and well-equipped medical centre. Mild cases require adequate
fluids, fever control and monitoring of blood counts, Severe cases in addition
require Intensive Care therapy.
When
should one see a doctor?
The
emphasis is on early recognition. To differentiate dengue from other common
'viral fevers', parents and patients need to contact their doctor whenever the
following danger signs are present: high temperature, fever not subsiding in
3-5 days, bleeding, puffiness of face, cold limbs, severe tummy pain,
persistent vomiting, rash, lethargy, drowsiness and refusal of feeds.
What
tests are done for dengue?
Blood
tests are required mainly for proper diagnosis and subsequently to monitor the
falling blood counts. Other tests such as X-ray and scan may be used based upon
the patient’s clinical condition.
What
precautions can I take to prevent dengue in my family?
First
is be aware of the condition and its severity; second is early recognition and
third is prevention to mosquito exposure.
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| Uncleared Garbage |
Dengue
mosquitoes breed primarily in man-made containers like open water storage drums,
discarded plastic food containers or any item where water collects. Clean up
areas where stagnant water collects, close such drums with lids and spray
appropriate chemicals.
To
reduce exposure at home, use nets, barrier creams, aero sprays and repellents.
Do not expose too much of skin at home, especially during day time when dengue-causing
mosquitoes are most active.
Dr Rama Mishra, consultant, Internal Medicine at Wellbeeing
in Sahakarnagar says one has to watch out for gum bleeding, dark-coloured urine
and giddiness. “Do not panic. Most people go into shock syndrome. It can be
treated at the OPD level itself. Doctors are the best guides and take their
advice, if they say monitoring is necessary,” he says.
Dr Mishra says he will not endorse papaya leaves mixture and
other dengue cures that have sprung up, as there has been no study to prove it
cures or improves the patient’s vitals.
Keep visiting this site for more health updates.
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