Dengue fever is mosquito-borne tropical disease typically transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus responsible for causing dengue, is called dengue virus (DENV).
Dengue fever is year-round nationwide risk in Pakistan. Dengue fever endemic has historically been highest in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Dengue causes a wide spectrum of disease. This can range from subclinical disease (people may not know they are even infected) to severe flu-like symptoms in those infected.
Is dengue a serious disease?
Dengue fever is mosquito-borne tropical disease typically transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus responsible for causing dengue, is called dengue virus (DENV).
Dengue fever is year-round nationwide risk in Pakistan. Dengue fever endemic has historically been highest in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Dengue causes a wide spectrum of disease. This can range from subclinical disease (people may not know they are even infected) to severe flu-like symptoms in those infected. Although less common, some people develop severe dengue symptoms.
Dengue should be suspected when a high fever (40°C/104°F) is accompanied by 2 of the following symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Severe pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen glands
Severe dengue requires immediate medical aid
Normally, about 3-7 days after illness onset patient enters the critical phase. Severe dengue is a potentially fatal complication, due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment.
Warning signs
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Bleeding gums
- Bleeding nose
- Blood in vomit
- Fatigue and restlessness
Treatment for dengue fever
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but suspected individuals should observe following
- Rest as much as possible
- Take acetaminophen (Paracetamol) to control fever and relieve pain
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Drink water or drinks with added electrolytes
- Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen!
Precautions
At present, the main method to control or prevent the transmission of dengue virus is to combat the mosquito vectors. This is achieved through
- Remove standing water to reduce the number of breeding mosquitos
- Sleep under a mosquito net
- Using of personal household protection measures, such as window screens, repellents, insecticide treated materials, coils and vaporisers. These measures must be observed during the day both inside and outside of the home (e.g. at work/school) because the primary mosquito vectors bites throughout the day
Stay safe
RMI consultants in the Department of General Medicine recommend if an individual is suspected with dengue fever do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products, as these medications can exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
Severe dengue is a medical emergency and it requires immediate medical care at a hospital. If you experience severe symptoms get medical assistance immediately.
