Looking out for dengue this monsoon: Know the symptoms and methods of prevention

KEY STORY

• The monsoon season is here and so is the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. While talking about mosquito-borne diseases, how can we leave dengue out of the conversation? Dengue is common in Latin American and Asian countries and is caused b the DENV (dengue virus).

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 100-400 million people are infected by dengue every year. Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment available for dengue. Upon diagnosis of the symptoms, immediate healthcare attention is required to avoid the adverse progression of the disease.

  Dengue – Symptoms and diagnosis

  The symptoms of dengue resemble that of flu and are often mistaken for common flu. The intensity of the symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on the stage of progression of the disease. The common symptoms of dengue are as follows:

  • Rashes

  • High fever

  • Nausea

  • Headache

  • Muscle ache

  • Vomiting

  • Joint ache

  • Eye pain

  The symptoms of severe dengue may include internal bleeding, bleeding gums, belly ache, and restlessness. The diagnosis of dengue is done through serological and virological tests.

  Preventing dengue this monsoon

  Here are some ways in which you can protect yourself and your family from dengue:

  1. Keep your surroundings clean: Maintain proper hygiene around you, avoid leaving stagnant water around, and keep your surroundings dry and well-lit to avoid creating environments that can promote mosquito breeding.

  2. Eat well: a strong immune system can help ward off infections and shield the body. Consuming a healthy and balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help boost immunity.

  3. Use mosquito repellents: There are a variety of mosquito repellants available in form of sprays, lotions, and patches. You can use these to keep mosquitos away from your body, Furthermore, avoid clothing that exposes too much of your body to avoid mosquito bites.

  4. Contribute to the community: Looking out for the community is as important as taking care of yourself and your family. Make sure that you are contributing to dengue control methods in the community and cooperating to work towards a dengue-safe environment.

  5. Educate yourself: Make yourself aware of the disease, its symptoms, and treatment to ensure reaching out for the appropriate treatment at the right time. Progression of the disease can be fatal.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.