DEALING WITH DENGUE

30th September 2015

Dengue or Dengi as it is known to all is the most talked about thing in the country at this point of time as it has taken the Northern and the Eastern India in its grip. Dengue cases increase by leaps and bounds around the monsoon as Aedes mosquito that spread Dengue breeds in stagnant water.

Dealing with Dengue – Quick Points

1. How does Dengue spread?

Dengue is transmitted through Aedes mosquito when it bites someone after biting an infected person.

2. In how many days the symptoms of Dengue appear?

The average time between the mosquito’s bite and appearance of symptoms of dengue ranges from approximately 3 to 6 days and may even increase to 14 days too.

3. Who are at risk?

Anyone bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito is at risk of getting dengue. The risk factors can be summed to

I. Person’s age
II. Person’s immunity
III. The type of virus infection the person is having
IV. If anyone had suffered from dengue earlier

4. What are the symptoms of Dengue?

All the following symptoms may not be visible in a dengue infected person. However, if minimum 2-3 symptoms from these are visible then dengue can be suspected.

I. Sudden high fever
II. Severe joint and body pain
III. Severe headache
IV. Fatigue
V. Nausea
VI. Pain behind the eyes
VII. Skin rashes

5. Can anyone get dengue twice?

Yes, it is possible to get dengue twice. As there are four different types of strains of dengue virus, if a person gets infected by 1 of them; there can be a repeat of dengue if a different strain is subsequently involved.

6. Is dengue contagious?

No, dengue is not contagious. It can only spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito.

7. When should a patient suffering from dengue consult a doctor?

Dengue requires special care and vigilance. The time period that requires more care and vigilance are

I. Severe abdominal pain
II. Persistent vomiting
III. Skin bleeding (small red or purplish spots)
IV. Nasal bleeding
V. Passing black stool like coal tar

8. Where does Aedes mosquito breed?

Aedes mosquito breeds in clean uncovered stagnant water preferably in barrels, buckets, drums, flower vases, water tanks, discarded tyres, bottles and water coolers.

9. How can dengue be prevented?

The host of dengue i.e. the Aedes mosquito bites during the day, mostly 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset. The common preventive measures are

I. Wear full sleeve clothes
II. *Use mosquito repellants
III. Use mosquito nets
IV. Change the water content at your place frequently
V. Cover the water containers
VI. Keep your surroundings clean

Incase heath condition deteriorates do consult a doctor in a multispecialty hospital with all required dengue testing and other superspecialty diagnostic test facilities. In any case avoid self medication and only take prescription drugs.

*If Allergic to repellents consult an expert

DESUN HOSPITAL Kolkata – EMERGENCY ✆ 9051715171 | www.desunhospital.com

DESUN HOSPITAL Siliguri -EMERGENCY ✆ 90516 40000 | www.siliguri.desunhospital.com