Introduction
Dengue fever spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito of the Aedes species. Dengue outbreak most commonly occurs during rainy seasons. Research has shown that about 400 million people get infected with dengue every year of which about 80 percent are asymptomatic. Dengue does not spread from one person to another but can spread from a pregnant mother to her child. Symptoms are normally mild when a person gets infected for the first time but a consecutive infection with a different variant of dengue virus can elevate the risk of severe complications.
How Is Dengue Fever Caused?
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Dengue is caused by any one of the four dengue viruses. The virus can make its way into the bloodstream of humans through a bite of an infected mosquito and multiply inside the body.
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This virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of the infected Aedes mosquito (also called the tiger mosquito) which thrives in freshwater habitats close to human dwellings.
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The Aedes mosquito can also carry viruses like Chikungunya and Zika. Once infected, the person starts experiencing severe headaches, backaches, and body aches within a few days.
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There may also be joint pains accompanied by high-grade fever and a typical rash. Dengue is a dehydrating fever with no known cure yet. Dengue, when it causes severe symptoms, is called dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Is Dengue a Serious Disease?
A vast majority of the public still needs to realize the importance of hospitalization during an ailment. While dengue by itself is not a dangerous disease, the improper management of the symptoms can prove to be fatal. Supportive medications such as the administration of intravenous saline and antipyretics (drugs that either reduce or prevent fever) are used combined with symptomatic care. Dengue fever can result in severe dehydration, dizziness, giddiness, and even syncopal falls (fainting), leading to injuries.
Dengue is a typical biphasic illness with distinct acute and chronic phases. In the acute phase, the fever lasts a couple of days and subsides. But, the real panic starts after that. The platelet count begins to drop on the fourth day of the illness, with a progressive fall till the seventh day rising again spontaneously after that.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dengue Fever?
The onset of symptoms is normally between four to 10 days following a mosquito bite and can persist for three to seven days. The signs and symptoms include the following:
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High fever (104 degree fahrenheit or 40 degree celsius).
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Vomiting.
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Rash.
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Severe headache.
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Pain in the posterior portion of the eyes.
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Swollen glands.
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Pain in the muscle and joints.
The symptoms of severe dengue can pervade within 24 to 48 hours after the fever goes off. These symptoms include:
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Severe abdominal pain.
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Rapid breathing.
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Persistent vomiting.
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Fatigue.
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Bleeding nose or gums.
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Being extremely thirsty.
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Presence of blood in stools or vomit.
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Feeling weak.
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Cold and pale skin.
How to Diagnose Dengue?
Dengue fever can be diagnosed with the help of a blood test. The acquired blood is sent to the laboratory to test for the presence of dengue virus. Within the first three to four days after the infection, the dengue NS1 antigen test results are positive, and the antibodies start developing from the sixth day. This can lead to many patients with symptoms consistent with dengue being labeled falsely as negative.
What Are the Home Remedies for Dengue?
The following are a few home remedies:
Drink Plenty of Water: Excessive dehydration can occur in dengue. Hence, it is important to drink plenty of water to keep oneself hydrated and replenished. Staying hydrated can also minimize the symptoms of muscle cramps and headaches. Water also helps to flush out excess toxins from the body.
Papaya Leaves: Papaya leaves are considered to be a natural remedy for dengue fever. The leaves are a blend of organic compounds and nutrients that help elevate the platelet count. It is also rich in Vitamin C and this Vitamin C helps stimulate the immune system and the antioxidants aid in removing the toxins from the body. Papaya leaves can simply be crushed and the juice can be strained from the crushed leaves.
Chewing Basil Leaves: Basil leaves not only act as a remedy for dengue but also enhance the overall immunity of the individual. Chewing five to six basil leaves can improve immunity and is considered an effective and beneficial ayurvedic treatment for dengue fever. Also, basil leaves contain essential oils with natural insecticidal properties that keep away mosquitoes.
Neem Leaves: Neem leaves are laden with medicinal properties and are preferred in the treatment of various ailments. Properly brewed neem leaves increase the white blood cell count, and platelet count, and improve the immune system if one suffers from dengue.
Orange Juice: Being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, oranges aid in the treatment of the secondary symptoms of dengue. It also aids in the elimination of dengue virus. It also enhances the action of antibodies produced by the immune system and increases urination which helps to eliminate the toxins from the body. Orange juice is also efficient in repairing the body cells as Vitamin C plays an important role in the manufacture of collagen.
What Is Dengue Shock Syndrome?
Dengue shock syndrome is characterized by petechiae (tiny spots of blood on the skin) and ecchymosis (large patches of blood under the skin). Unaware of dengue, many people take fever medicines for prolonged periods and land up in a shock-like state, injuring their internal organs, such as kidneys. With proper IV (Intravenous) fluid resuscitation, they show signs of a good recovery. This type of shock may cause death within 12 to 24 hours.
Is Hospitalization Necessary for Dengue?
Not every patient needs to be hospitalized if they are diagnosed with dengue fever. The mild cases can be effectively managed at home if the patient keeps themselves rehydrated through different sources like ORS (oral rehydration salts), juice, drinking plenty of water, and taking adequate rest and medicines to control fever.
But, severe cases despite good treatment, show signs of complications and suffer from multiorgan failure even after being treated in an intensive care setup. Hence, prevention stands up to be the best protective measure.
What Are the Foods to Be Avoided While Having Dengue Fever?
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The foods to be avoided are as follows:
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Non-vegetarian food must be avoided.
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Oily foods and a heavy diet must be avoided.
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Spicy foods can cause acidity in the stomach and result in ulcers and can damage the wall. Hence, one must refrain from eating spicy foods.
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People with dengue fever should always be hydrated, but caffeinated beverages are not indicated.
Contrary to our belief, a previous episode of dengue will not impart good protective immunity. The second episode of dengue may turn more dangerous due to some immune-complex mechanisms. One must understand that dengue still remains a dramatic illness with variable clinical presentations and unexpected results. So, one must not panic and instead act smartly to avoid untoward consequences.
How to Protect Oneself From Dengue Fever?
Contrary to our belief, a previous episode of dengue will not impart good protective immunity. The second episode of dengue may turn more dangerous due to some immune-complex mechanisms. One must understand that dengue still remains a dramatic illness with variable clinical presentations and unexpected results. So, one must not panic and instead act smartly to avoid untoward consequences.
Tips to protect oneself from dengue fever include:
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Protective clothing like a full-sleeve dress can be worn to prevent mosquito bites.
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Mosquito repellents and mosquito nets can be used to avoid mosquito bites.
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EPA-registered insect repellents containing 20-30 percent DEET or other ingredients can be used to protect oneself from the attack of the dengue-causing mosquito.
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Standing water in buckets, old tires, and bird baths should be cleared. Low spots where water can stagnate should be filled.
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Holes in screens should be repaired and windows and doors should be kept closed.
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Pregnant ladies and even other individuals should refrain from traveling to dengue-prone zones.
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One can take a dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia only if one has been affected by dengue previously. One must not get vaccinated without a previous history of dengue as it can make one prone to acquire severe dengue. Vaccines can minimize the risk of acquiring severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) if one gets affected by a different variant of the dengue virus in the future.
Conclusion
In developing countries with tropical climates, the death toll due to seasonal outbreaks of infectious diseases is on the rise. The hospital wards are full of patients diagnosed with various tropical infections, and dengue surpasses them all. Its prevalence is much higher than the data provided by healthcare departments, as many of the cases go unnoticed due to poor public awareness. Hence, timely management and following certain preventive measures can keep one safe from the impact of dengue