Dengue Fever: Symptoms and Treatment

Dengue Fever: Symptoms and Treatment

Dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, has become a significant public health concern in Kerala, especially during the monsoon season. With the increase in rainfall and water stagnation, the breeding grounds for mosquitoes multiply, making the region more susceptible to dengue outbreaks. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of dengue fever in Kerala and provide essential tips on how to protect yourself and your family.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already carrying the virus. Once infected, the mosquitoes can spread the virus to others through their bites. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including Kerala, particularly during the rainy monsoon season when standing water provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

Causes of Dengue Fever

Dengue is mainly caused by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Kerala’s humid climate, coupled with seasonal monsoon rains, creates the perfect environment for mosquito breeding. Stagnant water in uncovered containers, discarded tires, and clogged drains are common breeding sites.

In Kerala, the risk of dengue increases significantly during and after the monsoon when water accumulates in households, construction sites, and other urban areas. The state's tropical climate, combined with rapid urbanization, provides ideal conditions for mosquito larvae to grow and thrive.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

The symptoms of dengue fever typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms can vary in severity, but common signs of dengue include:

• High Fever: Sudden onset of a high fever (often 104°F or 40°C)
• Severe Headache: A constant and intense headache, often behind the eyes
• Pain Behind the Eyes: A deep, aching pain in the eyes, which can worsen with movement
• Joint and Muscle Pain: Severe muscle and joint pain, often referred to as "breakbone fever" due to its intensity
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous and sometimes vomiting
• Skin Rash: A rash that may appear a few days after the fever starts
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness, which can last for weeks

In severe cases, dengue can develop into Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), both of which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of these severe forms include bleeding, low blood pressure, organ failure, and shock, which require immediate medical attention.

Treatment of Dengue Fever

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body’s immune response. If you suspect you have dengue fever, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Here’s how dengue is typically managed:

• Hydration: Maintaining proper fluid intake is essential to prevent dehydration due to fever, vomiting, and sweating. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or intravenous fluids are often administered.
• Pain and Fever Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol (acetaminophen) are commonly recommended to manage fever and pain. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Monitoring: In more severe cases of dengue, patients may need to be hospitalized for closer monitoring, especially if they are showing signs of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome.

There is no vaccine for dengue in widespread use in India, though vaccines are available in some regions. Prevention is still the most effective way to control the spread of the disease.

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Dengue

Since mosquitoes are the primary carriers of the dengue virus, the key to preventing the disease lies in controlling mosquito populations and avoiding mosquito bites. Here are some practical tips to protect yourself and your family:

• Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites: Remove standing water from containers, flowerpots, and open water tanks. Clean drains and gutters regularly, and dispose of any discarded tires or plastic containers where water can accumulate.
• Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET on exposed skin, especially during the early morning and late afternoon. Use mosquito nets while sleeping, particularly for infants and children.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce exposure to mosquito bites, particularly during peak mosquito activity hours.
• Use Mosquito Screens: Ensure that windows and doors are fitted with mosquito nets or screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Community Awareness: Participate in local awareness programs and clean-up drives to reduce mosquito breeding sites in your neighborhood. Public health campaigns often emphasize the importance of community involvement in controlling the spread of dengue.

Conclusion

Dengue fever remains a significant health threat in Kerala, particularly during the monsoon season. With the right preventive measures, early detection, and prompt treatment, the impact of dengue can be minimized. However, controlling the spread of the disease requires collective efforts from individuals, communities, and local authorities. By staying vigilant and adopting simple measures like eliminating stagnant water and using mosquito repellents, we can all play a crucial role in preventing dengue and protecting ourselves and our loved ones.

Stay informed, stay protected, and stay safe!