Article Published in The Himalayan Times on 3rd September, 2019
Dengue: Prevention and ways to be safe
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease and its virus is transmitted by female mosquitoes, mainly of the species Aedes aegypti and to a lesser extent, Ae albopictus. This mosquito also transmits chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika infection. Dengue is widespread throughout the tropics, with local variations in risk influenced by rainfall, temperature and unplanned rapid urbanization, according to World Health Organisation (WHO)
Severe dengue was first recognised in the 1950s during dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand. Today, severe dengue affects most Asian and Latin American countries and has become a leading cause of hospitalisation and death among children and adults in these regions.
As many parts of Nepal are experiencing high temperature, humidity and rainfall, Nepal is witnessing severl cases of dengue this season, while health practitioners have warned that Kathmandu is highly prone to dengue fever. Over 60 people contracted dengue in Kathmandu Valley as of August 28. And these patients have been reported from different areas including Nakkhu, Dhapasi, Harisiddhi, Teku, Kapurdhara, Baneshwore, Tinkune, Saibu and Imadol, but many cases are not reported to Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. Deaths from dengue have also been reported.
Symptoms of dengue are not seen in 95 percent of the infected people. But they are carriers, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes biting such people will be infected and then they will transmit the infection to healthy persons. AAnd patients who are already infected with the dengue virus can transmit the infection (for four-five days; maximum 12) via Aedes mosquitoes after their first symptoms appear.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito lives in urban habitats and breeds mostly in man-made containers. Unlike other mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti is a day-time feeder; its peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening before dusk. Female Aedes aegypti bites multiple people during each feeding period. Aedes eggs can remain dry for over a year in their breeding habitat and hatch when coming in contact with water.
Dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death. Dengue should be suspected when a high fever (40 degree Celsius) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rash. Symptoms usually last for two-seven days, after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.
Severe dengue is a potentially deadly complication due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment. Warning signs occur three to seven days after the first symptoms in conjunction with a decrease in temperature (below 38 degree Celsius) and include: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, fatigue, restlessness and blood in vomit. The next 24-48 hours of the critical stage can be lethal; proper medical care is needed to avoid complications and risk of death.
There is no specific medicine to treat dengue infection. If you think you may have dengue fever, you should use pin relievers with acetaminophen and avoid medicines with aspirin, which could worsen bleeding. You should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and see your doctor. If you start to feel worse in the first 24 hours after your fever goes down, you should get to a hospital immediately to be checked for complications.
The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes, particularly if you are living in or travelling to a tropical area. This involves protecting yourself and making efforts to keep the mosquito population down. At present, the main method to control or prevent the transmission of dengue virus is to combat vector mosquitoes through:
Recover from dengue with these food
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. The dengue fever is widely known as 'break bone fever' as it accompanies with severe joint pains which makes the condition even worse. With increasing dengue casualties in recent times, it is very important to take effective preventive measures for the same. However, if you still get tested positive with dengue, here are few foods that will help you recover from this disease at the earliest.
POMEGRANATE: Pomegranate is rich in essential nutrients and minerals that provides the body with required energy. Consumption of pomegranate reduces the feeling of exhaustion and fatigue. Being a rich source of iron, pomegranate stands out to be quite beneficial for the blood. It also helps in maintaining a normal blood platelet count which is essential to recover from dengue. Pomegranate has been used since the ancient times for its healthy and medicinal properties.
BROCCOLI: Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin K which helps to regenerate blood platelets. If there's a sharp decline in the platelet count, then broccoli must be included in the daily diet of a dengue patient. It is also rich in antioxidants and minerals.
SPINACH: Spinach is a rich source of iron and omega-3 fatty acids rich food which improves the immune system to a great extent. It is an effective way to increase the platelet level count.
LEMON JUICE: Lemon juice is effective in controlling the dengue virus, as consuming the fresh juice reduces its load in the body. It is good for the patient's taste plate too, as s/he is prohibited to consume oily and foods.
COCONUT WATER: Dengue generally results in dehydration. Thus, it is immensely beneficial to consume coconut water-which is loaded with electrolytes and vital nutrients.
PAPAYA: For those who are suffering from dengue, papaya leaves are the best option to go for. Just crush the papaya leaves and squeeze them to extract the juice. Its extract increases platelets counts to a great extent. Alternatively, you can also boil the papaya leaves in water and drink the solution. It is possibly the best home remedy for the treatment of dengue.