The “zzzzzz” season is here aka mosquito season. Mosquito’s come out when summers are near and spring is almost done mostly starting from April. This season brings various health issues and ‘Dengue Fever’ is one of them.  Dengue fever is an infection that is spread by female mosquitoes and even though is not serious and people do get better but some dengue cases are severe and you would get to know why and how.

Dengue is an infection that is transmitted to the humans through the bite from an infected female mosquito. Its mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical areas and mostly in urban areas and villages. Its mostly found on clean water either on a flower pot or water containers because that’s their breeding spot and they lay out eggs there.  Most of the time those who get dengue normally do not show any symptoms but those who do they experience

•        ·       High Fever
•        ·       Body-ache
•        ·       Nausea
•        ·       Rashes

Mostly it takes 1-2 weeks to recover from dengue but some might need extra care from the hospital.

Symptoms

As said most people with dengue have mild to zero symptoms shown and normally, they do get better in 1-2 weeks however some cases it can be severe and it can lead to death.

If symptoms occur, normally the duration begins from 4-10 days and lasts for 7 days and these symptoms occur:

•       ·       High fever (100-102 ℉)
•       ·       Headache
•       ·       Muscle pain
•       ·       Nausea
•       ·       Rashes
•       ·       Swollen Lymph nodes

While those patients whom get infected for the second time are at more risk and can lead to a fatal death and the symptoms often come after the fever is gone. Such as:

•       ·       Severe abdominal pain
•       ·       Persistent vomiting
•       ·       Shortness of breath
•       ·       Nose bleeding
•       ·       Dizziness
•       ·       Blood in stool
•       ·       Dehydration
•       ·       Pale and cold skin

Now individuals with these symptoms need immediate medical attention as any delay can lead to death.

After recovery, people feel tired for several week and experience weakness.

What causes Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is caused when an infected mosquito with dengue virus bites one individual, the virus then enters the blood-stream and multiplies. 

The virus can destroy blood parts and then form clots.  If dengue isn’t treated at time then it can lead to Dengue shock syndrome, which can lead to multiple organ fails and that can lead to death.

Is Dengue Fever contagious?

Dengue fever is not contagious. The only way a dengue virus can be spread to another human being is when a pregnant woman is infected and the virus is passed to the baby during pregnancy or child-birth.

History of Dengue Fever in Pakistan

The first ever dengue out-break in Pakistan was in 1994 but if we talk about when the worst case arose then it was in 2019, where more than 30,000 cases were reported and 47 fatalities, marking it as the worst outbreak in the country’s history.

As for today, 7 cases were reported and 9 cases got hospitalized but are at a stable condition. Mostly, 10-19 years old are getting affected.

Treatment

Managing the symptom of this dengue fever is only by the recommendation of your Healthcare provider.

Some treatments that are mostly encouraged are:

•         ·       Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
•         ·       Rest as much as possible.
•         ·       Take pain killers as prescribed by your Physician.
•         ·       Eat nutritious meals

If any of the symptoms of Dengue show up, do consult your doctor and get your test’s done which includes CBC, Dengue NS1 IGM and IGG.

Prevention

Since there is no vaccination of Dengue in Pakistan, its best to take preventive measures against Dengue.

1.         1.     Regularly drain and clean any water containers, flower pots, vases or anything that can hold fluid as these are the main breeding areas of the mosquitos.
3.       2.     Use mosquito repellents, especially during the day.
5.       3.     Wear long-sleeved clothing and avoid wearing dark clothes as they attract mosquitoes.
7.       4.     Install mosquito nets at your home for protection.
9.       5.     Always stay informed about the Dengue outbreak through health authorities.
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Conclusion

Dengue Fever is always a threat especially in Karachi, Pakistan. With its recurring outbreaks, increasing of cases and lack of proper treatment can be crucial. If any of the symptoms ever arise, do not hesitate while contacting your nearest Family physician, its always to be careful and take preventive measures when it comes to this disease and get timely treated.

If you ever get infected,  do book your appointment at Mednise, we have expert General physician whom can help you get cured and treat you to through their best expertise.