Dengue fever is a mosquito borne disease caused by dengue virus which is usually self limiting in most cases. However, in some people it can present with life threatening complications such Dengue Shock Syndrome and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Dengue is not contagious and does not spread from person to person by physical contact. The most effective way of preventing dengue fever is by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. The symptoms usually develop within 4-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms of classic dengue include: § High fever (up to 40.6 C) § Severe headache with retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain § Severe joint and muscle pain § Nausea and vomiting § Body rash which appears on day 3 or 4 Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a severe form of dengue fever which can result in death and is characterized by: Severe bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin causing purplish bruises. Dengue Shock Syndrome is the most severe form which usually occurs in children having a re-infection and is sometimes fatal. It often presents with: Massive bleeding; Shock (very low blood pressure) Treatment: There is no specific treatment for dengue fever and most people recover within 2 weeks. To help with recovery, general measures include: § Getting plenty of bed rest. § Taking medicine to reduce fever. Avoid aspirin but paracetamol is considered safe. § Sponging to keep body temperature below 40º C. § Oral fluids in plenty to maintain circulating fluid volume. § Electrolyte therapy to counter dehydration. § Fluid replacement in case of loss of blood plasma, similar to that done in case of diarrhea. § For severe dengue symptoms including shock and coma, hospitalization and aggressive emergency treatment with fluid and electrolyte replacement may be necessary to save lives. preventive measures : The best way to prevent dengue fever is by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes which include: § Vector control is implemented by using environmental management and chemical methods. Proper solid waste disposal, elimination of stagnant water in domestic environment and improved water storage practices. destroying the mosquitoes, Aedes aegyptii and Aedes albopictus using chemical agents where they breed. The mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus typically live in and around houses, breeding in standing water that can collect in such things as used automobile tires. Reduce the breeding habitat to lower mosquito populations. § Improving environmental hygiene. § Disposal of solid waste hygienically. § Providing secure covering for water storage tank and containers. § unscreened windows and doors closed. § Mosquito bed net could be used when the room is not air-conditioned. § Reschedule outdoor activities. Avoid being outdoors at dawn, dusk and early evening, when more mosquitoes are out. § Wear protective clothing. When you go into mosquito-infested areas, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes. § Use mosquito repellent. Permethrin can be applied to your clothing, shoes, camping gear and bed netting. You can also buy clothing made with permethrin already in it. For your skin, use a repellent containing at least a 10 percent concentration of DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Home remedies for dengue: § The extract of raw papaya leaf helps boost platelets, also known as thrombocytes. § The leaves of coriander can be taken in the form of tonic to reduce the fever in dengue. § Chavanprash can be taken as immunobooster and increases blood count. § Basil leaves served in a warm drink like tea can prevent an outbreak of dengue. § The orange juice helps in digestion, increased urinary output, promotes antibodies for faster healing and recovery.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 05:24:28 +0000
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