Dengue, could be a silent killer?
Dengue is becoming a major health problem which is both local
and global, mainly among urban and semi urban settings. Dengue fever is now a islandwide, year-round
threat in Sri Lanka. Since the beginning of 2023, the National Dengue Control Unit
(NDCU) in Sri Lanka has reported 36628
dengue cases (by 24th May). These figures are around three
times higher than the cases reported during the same period in past two years.
Key Facts about Dengue;
·
Transmission of the Dengue virus is caused by the female mosquitoes of
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
- Many Dengue
infections are asymptomatic or produce mild illness, while occasionally it
may cause more severe disease or death.
- Although there is
no specific treatment for dengue, early detection and access to proper
management may significantly lower the risk of death.
- Prevention and
control of dengue mainly depend on mosquito control.
Be aware ….
If
you are infected, you may not have significant symptoms, but still you can
transmit the disease.
Dengue fever should be suspected if, you are suffering with sudden onset of high fever, severe headache,
pain behind the eyes, nausea and pain in muscles and joints.
Most patients get better in
1–2 weeks while some people develop severe dengue and need care in-hospital
care.
In severe disease, you may develop a rash and
varying degrees of bleeding from various parts of the body including nose,
mouth and skin etc.
Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever could be seen
only in a small proportion of those infected and is the most severe form with
significant bleeding manifestations.
If you are suffering with Severe vomiting, abdominal pain, increased thirst, drowsiness and excessive sleepiness, abnormal bleeding manifestations –
eg: heavy menstrual bleeding or menstruation starting earlier than usual, and
reduced urine output you must seek medical advice even though they don’t have a
fever.
Seek medical attention immediately, if following
features are present
·
cold
clammy skin and extremities
·
restlessness
and irritability
·
skin
mottling
·
decreased/no
urine output
·
behaviour
changes like confusion.
How to confirm that you are
infected?
If fever persists for over
two days better to seek medical advice.
What to do if infected?
Most cases can be treated
at home with pain medicine.
There is no specific
treatment for dengue.
Supportive treatment could
be provided during illness include:
·
Getting adequate amount of
fluids (Fruit juice, Kanji, Jeewani, Milk)
·
Avoid dark colour (red or
black) fluids
·
Minimum physical exertion
·
Correct dose of
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be used to control pain
· Avoid other pain relieving drugs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Diclofenac Sodium, Mefenamic acid as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
How to prevent?
Effective mosquito control is the mainstay of dengue prevention and
control.
Mosquito breeding sites are present in many premises and in the
immediate neighbourhood of patients who are infected.
We can control Dengue by
eliminating breeding places
Mosquitoes commonly breed in containers with collection of water (eggs in stagnant water can survive up to one year while eggs can withstand dry environmental conditions and thereafter hatch when water is available, and the environment is favourable).
keep neighbourhood clean
and free of receptacles which attract mosquitoes.
Do not
allow water to collect in tyres, flower vases, etc.
·
Crush
and burry empty tins, coconut shells during disposal
·
Add salt
to the water in flower vases and traps; Change water frequently
·
Remove
debris and leaves blocking drains and roof gutters
·
Mosquito
proof all utensils including water tanks
·
Regularly
inspect roof tops of high-rise buildings and work sites
·
Bare
lands must be properly cleaned
·
Avoid
disposing polythene bags and plastic containers to the open environment
·
Dispose
garbage properly and do not throw away those indiscriminately.
Since the mosquitoes
that spread dengue are active during the day, personal protective measures
should be applied especially during the hours of highest mosquito activity
(mid-morning and late afternoon).
·
Use protective clothes to cover
the body (especially for children in the mornings and afternoons)
·
Use
physical barriers such as screening doors and windows of premises using
mosquito-proof meshes
·
Use
mosquito nets (ideally nets sprayed with insect repellent)
·
Apply
natural repellents such as citronella oil, lemon grass oil, neem oil and chemical
repellents containing DEET (N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide).
Repellent use must be strictly done in accordance with the instructions noticed
on the product label.
Travellers, especially children, pregnant women, and people with immune
disorders or severe chronic illnesses, should contact their doctor to receive
personalized recommendations on the use of repellents and protection before
travelling.
Similar protective measures could be applied to symptomatic patients in order to prevent the disease from being transmitted to non-infected mosquitoes.