Dengue

You are at a higher risk of contracting dengue if:

• There have been several reported cases of dengue in your area.
• Your environment has areas of stagnant water, or if you work in construction zones where mosquitoes breed more readily.
• You travel to regions with high dengue prevalence.

If you experience high fever, nausea, body aches, and a rash, it's advisable to undergo a blood test. A complete blood count (including platelet count) is often recommended by doctors to rule out dengue. However, this test is not specific enough to confirm the presence of the dengue virus or determine the virus type.

To accurately diagnose dengue, more specific tests are required, including:

Dengue Antigen Test

• Also referred to as the dengue NS1 antigen test, this blood test is useful in detecting the virus early in the infection. It is most effective when conducted within the first five days of symptom onset, as the chances of false positives or negatives increase beyond this period.

Dengue Antibody IgM Test

• This test detects IgM antibodies, which appear early in the infection. It can also differentiate between primary (first-time) and secondary (subsequent) infections with different dengue serotypes.

Dengue Antibody IgG Test

• Used in the later stages of the illness, this test identifies IgG antibodies, which typically increase between 6 to 10 days after infection and can persist for up to 90 days or even a lifetime.

Dengue RNA PCR Test

• This is a primary test for detecting the dengue virus in the early stages of infection. A positive result confirms the presence of the virus and helps identify the specific serotype. The test is highly sensitive (90%) and specific (95%).

The most effective way to prevent dengue is by reducing mosquito presence in your surroundings. To achieve this:

Eliminate Water Stagnation

• Inspect your surroundings for any stagnant water sources, as mosquitoes breed in standing water. Always empty water containers after use, such as buckets, mugs, or bathtubs, and fix any leaks in taps to prevent water accumulation. Also, ensure water coolers and potted plants do not retain water.

Use Mosquito Nets

• At night, use mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquito bites. This is especially important for babies and elderly individuals who might rest during the day. Ensure windows and doors are sealed or use mesh screens to block mosquitoes from entering.

Apply Mosquito Repellents

• Use mosquito repellents, especially for children playing outdoors. Mosquito repellent liquidators can be placed around the house. Natural alternatives like burning camphor, using lavender candles, or applying essential oils like citronella and eucalyptus can also help keep mosquitoes at bay. Keeping a tulsi plant near windows can act as a natural deterrent.

Wear Protective Clothing

• Wear full-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover as much skin as possible. Pay special attention to ensuring children are adequately covered to minimize exposure to mosquitoes.

Specialist to Visit

While a regular fever may present with mild symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, weakness, and a high fever, dengue symptoms are more severe, including high fever, intense body aches, and a widespread rash.

If you notice any signs of dengue, it’s crucial to consult a doctor immediately. In most cases, your general physician is the appropriate first point of contact. However, depending on the situation, you may also need to consult an internal medicine specialist.

There is no specific treatment for dengue, so the approach focuses on alleviating symptoms. Most people with dengue experience mild illness and can manage their condition at home by following proper dietary guidelines and taking medication as prescribed. In severe cases, where platelet levels significantly drop (known as thrombocytopenia), platelet transfusion may be required.

Rest Well

Due to the extreme fatigue and high fever associated with dengue, it is crucial to get ample rest to allow your body to recover properly.

Reduce Fever

Antipyretic medications like paracetamol are effective in reducing fever and alleviating body aches. It is important to avoid pain relievers like aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Antibiotics are typically not needed. Sponging the body with cool water can also help bring down the fever.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a common complication of dengue due to fever, vomiting, and inadequate fluid intake. To prevent dehydration, drink fluids such as coconut water, buttermilk, fruit juices, lemon water, milk, and electrolyte drinks along with water.

Monitor Your Health

The period after the fever subsides is critical. Some individuals may develop warning signs, such as vomiting multiple times a day, difficulty breathing, bleeding from the nose or gums, and blood in vomit or stool. These symptoms, which occur a day or two after the fever decreases, are seen in about 1 in 20 cases and may require hospitalization. Be vigilant and keep track of any warning signs.

Important Note: Severe dengue is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention at a hospital.

Home Remedies

Some home remedies are popularly used to manage dengue fever, as they are believed to help improve platelet count.

• Papaya Leaves: Research suggests that papaya leaf juice may help inhibit the dengue virus's growth and boost platelet count.
• Giloy: Known for its anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties, giloy juice is thought to help manage dengue fever. It is believed to increase platelet count and enhance immunity, aiding quicker recovery.
• Kiwi: While there is no scientific evidence proving kiwi's effectiveness in raising platelet count, it is rich in Vitamin C, which supports immunity and acts as a powerful antioxidant.

In rare cases, severe dengue can lead to complications such as organ damage and internal bleeding, resulting in dengue hemorrhagic fever. This can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, weak pulse, hypovolemia, and ultimately lead to dengue shock syndrome.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established criteria for diagnosing dengue hemorrhagic fever, which include:

• Low platelet count (<1 lac)
• Fever lasting 2 to 7 days
• Signs of internal bleeding

During the early stages of the illness, the platelet count may remain normal, but hemoglobin levels may be elevated. If hemoglobin levels exceed 14g/dL, it is important to consult a doctor even if platelet counts are normal. As the fever decreases, the platelet count typically begins to drop. Even with a declining platelet count, there is no need to panic.