Dengue surge: Mild to harmful, frequent indicators and signs of various dengue strains

Aug 02, 2023 at 11:29 PM
Dengue surge: Mild to harmful, frequent indicators and signs of various dengue strains

India has been witnessing a deluge of dengue circumstances previously few weeks as a consequence of heavy rains and flooding in a number of elements of the nation. While monsoon often registers a spike in vector-borne illnesses, this 12 months the circumstances have grown manifold as a consequence of extended wet climate. Dengue should be recognized on time to make sure the well being threats because of the illness are managed. There is not any remedy for dengue, and it’s self-limiting. The signs can vary from gentle to extreme relying on the pressure and the way the illness is being managed. Dengue is attributable to a viral an infection with dengue virus (DENV) and it has 4 serotypes of the illness specifically DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. The virus is unfold human to human by way of chew of Aedes mosquitoes. (Also learn: Dengue alert: Early signs of the deadly disease you shouldn’t ignore amid rise in cases)

Dengue is caused by a viral infection with dengue virus (DENV) and it has four serotypes of the disease namely DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. (Freepik)
Dengue is attributable to a viral an infection with dengue virus (DENV) and it has 4 serotypes of the illness specifically DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. (Freepik)

Most individuals with dengue are asymptomatic and don’t even realise they have been contaminated with the virus. In case of signs, they begin exhibiting sometimes 4–10 days after an infection and the illness can final for two–7 days. Symptoms might embody excessive fever, extreme headache, ache behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and rash. People might expertise extreme stomach ache, persistent vomiting, fast respiration, bleeding from gums or nostril, fatigue or restlessness even after they get well from fever.

“Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by four different strains of the dengue virus, known as DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. While the general symptoms of dengue remain similar for all strains, the severity of the disease can vary depending on the specific strain involved. It’s important to note that dengue can progress from mild to severe, and severe cases can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening,” says Dr M. A. Muqsith Quadri, Consultant – Internal Medicine, CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

DENV-1 to DENV-4: Strain-wise signs of dengue

Dr Quadri breaks down dengue fever signs from gentle to extreme relying on the pressure.

Here are the frequent indicators and signs of dengue fever, adopted by particular strain-wise breakdown of the signs:

DENV-1

This is the most typical pressure of dengue, and it sometimes causes gentle signs. These signs might embody:

  • High fever (40°C/104°F)
  • Severe headache
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Muscle and joint pains
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rash

DENV-2

This pressure can also be identified to trigger gentle signs, however it’s considered extra extreme than DENV-1. Symptoms might embody:

All of the signs of DENV-1, plus:

  • Severe stomach ache
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Bleeding gums or nostril
  • Rapid respiration
  • Fatigue/restlessness

DENV-3

This pressure is usually much less extreme than DENV-1 or DENV-2, however it may well nonetheless trigger critical sickness. Symptoms might embody:

All of the signs of DENV-1, plus:

  • Haemoconcentration (elevated haematocrit)
  • Low platelet depend
  • Fluid accumulation within the lungs

DENV-4

This pressure is the least frequent, and it’s considered the mildest. Symptoms might embody:

All of the signs of DENV-1, plus:

  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)

It is necessary to notice that the signs of dengue can fluctuate from individual to individual, and even from pressure to pressure. Some individuals might expertise no signs in any respect, whereas others might develop extreme sickness. If you assume you’ll have dengue, you will need to see a health care provider immediately.

All you have to learn about symptom development of dengue by Dr Quadri

Here is a few extra details about the signs of dengue fever:

  • The signs of dengue often begin 4-10 days after being bitten by an contaminated mosquito.
  • The signs of dengue can final for 2-7 days.
  • If you could have dengue, you’re prone to creating extreme dengue. Severe dengue is a life-threatening sickness.
  • There is not any particular therapy for dengue. Treatment is supportive, which implies that it’s geared toward relieving signs and stopping problems.
  • There is a vaccine for dengue, however it’s not but extensively out there.
  • If you’re touring to an space the place dengue is frequent, you will need to take steps to guard your self from mosquito bites. These steps embody:

Common signs of dengue attributable to completely different strains

Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals shares a listing of frequent signs of dengue

  • High fever
  • Severe headache
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Joint and muscle ache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin rash
  • Mild bleeding (e.g., nostril or gum bleeding)

Severe dengue (also called dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome) might have extra signs, comparable to extreme stomach ache, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, fast respiration, fatigue, and restlessness.

Dengue is a viral illness casued by mosquito chew of Aedes mosquitoes. Usually 4-10 days after mosquito chew, affected person begins exhibiting signs comparable to high-grade fever, extreme complications, physique ache, and ache in eyelids whereas shifting the eyes. Although some signs are frequent, in case of gentle fever, signs subside after 2 weeks of sickness. In case of extreme dengue fever, sufferers can go into dengue shock syndrome, platelet counts can fall beneath 20,000 and signs like extreme stomach ache, persistent vomiting, bleeding from nostril, gums or different mucous membranes, chilly or clammy pores and skin, fluid accumulation and even organ failure are there. 1 in 20 sufferers can go into the crucial stage if not handled in time, says Dr Ashutosh Shukla, Senior Director – Internal Medicine & Medical Advisor – Max Hospital, Gurgaon.

Why you could have excessive probabilities of getting dengue throughout the day

“Aedes mosquitoes are primarily active during daylight hours, with their peak biting periods occurring in the early morning and late afternoon. The Aedes mosquito is known to be an aggressive daytime biter and can fly up to a limited distance of 400 meter. To get one full blood meal the mosquito has to feed on several persons, infecting all of them. Aedes mosquitoes have a tendency to bite humans primarily on exposed skin areas. They typically target areas such as the ankles, feet, lower legs, and arms. These mosquitoes are known for their preference to bite below the knee level. Taking measures to protect exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and using mosquito repellent can help prevent mosquito bites. Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes. Rarely, dengue can be spread through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or through a needle stick injury,” says Dr Ajay Aggarwal, Director – Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Noida.

Preventive measures to push back dengue as per Dr Quadri

It is necessary to do not forget that whereas sure strains might have a repute for inflicting extra extreme circumstances, any pressure of the dengue virus can result in extreme signs and problems. Timely medical consideration, correct fluid consumption, and relaxation are essential for managing dengue fever successfully and stopping its development to extreme kinds. If you observed you could have dengue fever, search medical consideration promptly.

Stagnant water is a breeding floor for mosquitoes, significantly the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the dengue virus. These mosquitoes lay their eggs in nonetheless water, and the larvae develop in these water sources. To forestall mosquito breeding and scale back the chance of dengue transmission, it’s essential to remove or handle stagnant water round properties and communities.

Here are some necessary particulars and preventive measures:

1. Identify and take away stagnant water sources

Regularly examine your environment for potential breeding websites, comparable to flowerpots, vases, discarded containers, outdated tires, and different gadgets that may maintain water. Empty, take away, or cowl any containers or objects that acquire water, comparable to buckets, fowl baths, and pet water bowls. Keep gutters clear and freed from particles to make sure correct water drainage. Properly eliminate trash and waste supplies to keep away from water accumulation in containers or receptacles.

2. Maintain water storage containers

If you employ water storage containers like tanks or barrels, guarantee they’ve tightly fitted covers or lids to forestall mosquitoes from accessing the water. If attainable, deal with saved water with larvicides permitted for mosquito management to forestall mosquito larvae from creating.

3. Clean and deal with water options

If you could have ornamental water options, like fountains or ponds, take into account including mosquito larvae-eating fish or utilizing organic larvicides to regulate mosquito breeding. If fish are current, be certain to scrub the water characteristic recurrently and preserve it free from particles.

4. Practice correct yard upkeep

Trim bushes and shrubs recurrently to reduce shaded areas the place mosquitoes might relaxation throughout the daytime. Remove amassed leaves and particles that may maintain water in gardens and outside areas.

5. Cover rainwater assortment containers

If you acquire rainwater for gardening or different functions, be certain to cowl the containers securely to forestall mosquito entry.

6. Use mosquito screens

Install screens on home windows and doorways to forestall mosquitoes from coming into your dwelling areas. Repair any broken screens promptly to make sure they continue to be efficient.

7. Wear protecting clothes and use repellents

When going outdoor, put on long-sleeved shirts, lengthy pants, and socks to cut back uncovered pores and skin. Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to uncovered pores and skin and clothes, following the product directions rigorously.

8. Promote group consciousness

Educate your group concerning the significance of eliminating stagnant water and stopping mosquito breeding. Encourage collective efforts in cleansing up public areas and decreasing mosquito breeding websites.