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Dengue (Breakbone Fever)

Dengue is an acute viral illness caused by a virus and spread by mosquitoes (Aedes). Dengue is a major global public health challenge in India and other tropic & subtropic countries. Cases of dengue fever have increased over 20-fold in India in the last 10 years due to increased population growth rate, unplanned urbanization, global warming, inefficient mosquito control & lack of health care facilities. Symptoms usually begin 4 to 7 days after the mosquito bite & typically last 3-10 days. Presenting features may range from asymptomatic fever to dreaded complications such as hemorrhagic fever & shock. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Common symptoms of dengue include high-grade fever, muscle & joint pains, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash (that can disappear & then reappear).

A person with dengue hemorrhagic fever may experience bleeding from the mouth/nose/gums, and internal bleeding which leads to black vomit /stool and small blood spots under the skin. Without immediate treatment at the best hospital for viral fever, DHF can be fatal. Dengue shock syndrome is a severe form of dengue. It can be fatal. Along with symptoms of df & DHF, the patient may experience severe abdominal pain, disorientation, sudden hypotension, and heavy bleeding. Effective treatment at the best fever hospital is possible if a clinical diagnosis is made and early lab testing confirms the diagnosis. A haemogram may reveal a drop in platelet count. In some cases, platelet count may be normal initially but may drop in due course. So monitoring of platelet count is vital to avoid bleeding manifestations.

There is no specific treatment (or) cure, treatment is supportive. As in the case of any fever, hydration is of prime importance which is neglected by many patients. Supportive care with analgesics hydration with oral fluids/IV fluid and sufficient bed rest form the management strategy. Hospitalization allows patients to be monitored carefully. Hospitalization also allows regular monitoring of platelet count and transfusion of platelets if the need arises (platelet count less than 10,000/mm3) or bleeding manifestations develop. Sometimes even though the platelet count may be normal patient develops bleeding manifestations. This can be due to defects in platelet function and in such cases also transfusion of platelets is necessary.

Prevention

Till now no effective vaccine is available. Only avoiding mosquito bites can prevent it says the best pulmonologist. Steps should be taken at the community and personal level to prevent the breeding of mosquitos and mosquito bites.