Every year, May 16th in India is observed as the National Dengue Day, under the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) with the aim to spread awareness about the disease, tips to prevent it, and prepare to control its spread before the onset season.
A rise in the cases of this mosquito-borne viral infection over the decades has been concerning. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of dengue cases reported to WHO increased over 8 fold over the last two decades, from 5,05,430 cases in 2000 to over 2.4 million in 2010, and 4.2 million in 2019. Reported deaths between the years 2000 and 2015 increased from 960 to 4,032. Also, although there are more than 100 countries affected by dengue, the major burden lies on the Asian countries, which figuratively is about 70% of the global burden.
Understanding Dengue And Its Symptoms
Dengue is a viral infection that spreads commonly through an infected Aedes species Aegypti mosquito. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In our country, this disease usually begins with the onset of the monsoon season. Four viruses, called serotypes, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 are mainly responsible for dengue and the virus spreads through the person's bloodstream throughout the body. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe and in severe cases, the infection can be fatal too. The symptoms may usually develop between 4-10 days after the bite.
Symptoms of Mild Dengue can easily be confused with other diseases and are commonly flu-like. Here are the symptoms as mentioned by WHO:
- fever
- headaches
- pain behind the eyes
- muscle and joint pain
- nausea/vomiting
- rash
- fatigue.
In the case of Severe Dengue, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests to “Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24–48 hours after your fever has gone away”. Contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms (as stated by CDC):
- Belly pain, tenderness
- Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
- Feeling tired, restless, or irritable
Furthermore, in the case of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, apart from the aforementioned symptoms, there can be a decrease in the number of platelets, he/she may experience shortness of breath, skin wounds, pale skin, excessive thirst, etc.
Prevention
There is no curative treatment or vaccine available for dengue yet. However, the treatment can be given according to the symptoms a person presents. But since prevention is better than cure, here are some of the ways in which you can prevent the virus:
- Dengue mosquitoes are highly active in the morning or evening. Thus, try to avoid stepping out during this time and wear clothes that cover your whole body.
- Keep your surrounding clean and hygienic.
- Mosquitoes breed in dark corners with stagnant water. Ensure that water does not get deposited in pits around your house.
- Cover the vessels or utensils that you use to store water.
- Keep your doors and windows closed during peak hours or install door or window nets to prevent the mosquitoes from entering the house.
- Wear full clothes that cover arms and legs and use mosquito repellent creams or lotions and sleep under a mosquito net, even during the day.
- If you have coolers installed at home, change its water at least once every week, as mosquitoes can breed there as well.
- Spray insecticides at home.
- If you notice any symptoms, consult your doctor immediately and do not delay the treatment.
5 Mosquito Repellent Plants
Here are some plants you can grow at home, that will keep your home away from the attack of these deadly insects.
- Basil/Tulsi
- Neem
- Rosemary
- Citronella
- Marigold
