This week You! talks to Karachi-based microbiologist, Dr Shahana Kazmi, about the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of dengue fever...
health
This week You! talks to Karachi-based microbiologist, Dr Shahana Kazmi, about the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of dengue fever...
According to several media reports, around 400 dengue fever cases have been reported from Karachi in this year so far. The first death of 2018 from dengue in Karachi was reported at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in April where an 80-year-old woman succumbed to the deadly virus. While the deceased was suffering from other ailments as well, it was the complication from the fever that took her life. In light of the number of cases reported, this week You! talks to Karachi-based microbiologist, Dr Shahana Kazmi about the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of this fever.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection that can lead to a severe flu-like illness. It is caused by four different viruses and spread by Aedes mosquitoes - which can be identified by black and white strips. Only the female mosquitoes transfer the virus which feed both indoors and outdoors during the daytime (from dawn to dusk). These mosquitoes thrive in areas with stagnant water, including puddles, water tanks, containers and old tires. Lack of reliable sanitation and regular garbage collection also contribute to the spread of these mosquitoes.
Moreover, it is a daytime biter, both inside and outside homes, and is most active in the hours after sunrise and before sunset.
Quoting a study, Dr Shahana informed that there are more males affected than females, and it usually affects ages 20 to 39 years. Dengue fever is usually rampant during the monsoon and from September to December, so it’s best to take precautionary measures during this time.
Symptoms
Fever is the most common indication of dengue. However, in some cases, a person exhibits no symptoms. Those with the symptoms get a fever after 4-7 days after the bite. Apart from that, there is body ache and headaches. In extreme cases, this fever can prove to be fatal if it develops into Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). It is also called severe dengue or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).
In this case, the condition worsens and can become life-threatening. Blood vessels often become damaged and leaky. And the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your bloodstream drops. Some of the signs of this severe form of dengue fever include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting and bleeding from your gums or nose, blood in your urine, stools or vomit, bleeding under the skin - which might look like bruising. It also includes difficult or rapid breathing; cold or clammy skin (shock), fatigue, irritability or restlessness.
It is important to note that after you’ve recovered from dengue fever, you have immunity to the type of virus that infected you - but not to the other three dengue fever virus types. The risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever, actually increases if you are infected a second, third or fourth time.
Precautions
According to Dr Shahana, while there are vaccines available for dengue, they are limited for countries endemic to it or for travellers. Even the World Health Organization only recommends the vaccine as a possible option in areas of the world where the disease is common. So, the best way forward is to take the best preventative measure and avoid mosquito bites. Personal protection and the environmental management of mosquitoes are important in limiting the spread of this virus.
Avoid stagnant water: The mosquito breeds in dark places where there are water containers and other areas with stagnant water. The mosquito requires just one teaspoon of water to lay its eggs and for the larvae to fully develop into an adult mosquito. So, it can practically breed in any place where clean or muddy standing water is available.
“Since dengue is now a major public health challenge in the country with the number of cases coming up do frequently across the country, we should focus on preventive measures. People should be well informed about all the preventive measures especially for children. At schools, the administration should keep the swimming pools clean and appropriately chlorinated. School kids must wear full sleeves when in peak dengue season,” advises Dr Shahana.
Use mosquito repellents: “When going outside during the day, one should wear clothing that doesn’t expose a lot of skin and/or use an effective mosquito repellent. During the nights, it is important to use mosquito nets and repellent creams to protect yourself. While you may feel that you are the safest when in a clean environment, but many don’t realise that mosquitoes could be breeding in a bucket full of clean water kept in a backyard, or pots or any water-filled containers. Watch out for yourself and your family,” warns Dr Shahana.
Prevent access to infected person: “Prevent access of mosquitoes to an infected person with a fever. And in case of high fever when no doctor is around, control your fever through a Paracetamol rather than aspirin, as aspirin may promote bleeding. Also, increase your fluid intake,” suggests Dr Shahana.
Get checked immediately: “The best treatment is possible if the diagnosis occurs before a patient develops DSS or DHF. For this, one needs to consult a doctor as soon as they see any signs or symptoms,” concludes Dr Shahana.
