Overflowing Yamuna raises threat of dengue; widespread indicators and signs of the illness it’s best to know

While dengue instances have been on the rise ever for the reason that monsoon rains started within the nationwide capital, the flooding of Yamuna river inundating low-lying areas has led to the concern of virus unfold rising multi-fold. Almost 140 instances of dengue have been reported in Delhi which has raised alarm over the unfold of the lethal virus. Transmitted by chunk of mosquito, dengue can have each gentle and main signs. People who’ve suffered from dengue beforehand are at greater threat of getting extreme dengue. Prevention is at all times higher than remedy in case of dengue. The mosquitoes that unfold the illness are lively in the course of the day and individuals are susceptible to getting bitten whereas doing their chores, working and even sitting. To sort out this, full sleeved garments must be worn, and use of mosquito repellents are advised even in the course of the day. (Also learn: How to prevent getting dengue at workplace; tips to follow)

“With monsoon around the corner, we anticipate dengue and other vector borne diseases. Till last year, statistics show number of cases of the vector-borne disease climbing to over 3000 plus in national capital, according to NVBDCP report. We all are aware that dengue is a viral illness which gets transmitted through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue fever cannot spread directly from person to person unlike Covid-19 or flu, says Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

“Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by the infective chunk of a mosquito known as Aedes aegypti. Human beings develop illness after 5–6 days of being bitten by contaminated feminine mosquitoes that feed each indoors and open air in the course of the daytime (from daybreak to nightfall). These mosquitoes thrive in areas with standing water together with puddles, water tanks, containers and outdated tires. It happens in two varieties – classical dengue fever often known as ‘break bone’ fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) which is life threatening. It is very contagious and spreads from one individual to a different by way of mosquito bites,” says Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant- Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

“The an infection is characterised by flu-like signs which embody a sudden high-grade fever coming in separate waves, ache behind the eyes, muscle, joint and bone ache, extreme headache, belly fullness and discomfort and a pores and skin rash with purple spots which occurs by the fifth day of sickness,” says Dr Tayal.

Dengue illness can be prevented by using basic steps of hygiene and source control to ensure and eliminate any possible breeding locations in your home, such as watering cans, buckets, and clogged drains.

Signs and symptoms of dengue explained by Dr Panda

1. High fever: One of the primary signs of dengue fever is a sudden onset of high fever, often reaching 104°F (40°C). The fever typically lasts for 2 to 7 days.

2. Severe headache: Dengue fever is often accompanied by an intense headache, especially behind the eyes. This headache can be debilitating and persistent.

3. Pain behind the eyes: Individuals with dengue fever may experience pain and discomfort behind their eyes. This symptom is often described as a deep ache.

4. Joint and muscle pain: Dengue fever is known for causing severe joint and muscle pain, earning it the nickname ‘breakbone fever.’ The pain can be widespread and excruciating.

5. Rash: A characteristic rash may develop on the skin after a few days of fever. It typically appears as small, red, and raised spots and can be itchy.

6. Nausea and vomiting: Dengue fever can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms may contribute to dehydration.

7. Fatigue: Individuals affected by dengue often experience extreme fatigue and weakness, even after the fever subsides. This fatigue can persist for weeks.

8. Bleeding: In some cases, dengue fever can lead to bleeding manifestations, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising. If severe, it may indicate dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Myths associated with dengue

“More than this sickness, myths and panic related to dengue is viral. The majority (90%) of individuals recuperate from this viral an infection with out a lot medical intervention following easy dictum of stopping dehydration by consuming with loads of water, guaranteeing relaxation and aid of fever and ache with paracetamol. Severe/sophisticated dengue is seen in solely about 10 per cent sufferers and solely 5 per cent of dengue sufferers have to be hospitalised,” says Dr Panda.

“It is important to notice that dengue signs can fluctuate from individual to individual, and a few people could have gentle or no signs in any respect. However, anybody experiencing the aforementioned signs, particularly in areas with a excessive prevalence of dengue, ought to search medical consideration promptly,” concludes Dr Panda.