Dengue: Is a second infection more dangerous? These are some precautionary measures you need to know

As dengue cases in Delhi have reached five year high, government and health agencies are preparing to tackle the viral infection. Last week, a total of 56 cases of dengue were reported from the national capital. Across the country, big and small cities are also seeing a surge in dengue cases. Besides flooding and waterlogging, better reporting on dengue is also another reason why a higher number of cases are being reported this year, reports have said quoting an MCD official. Dengue was declared as a notifiable disease last year.

Dengue is caused by mosquito bites and is prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes belonging to Aedes species. "About half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year," the WHO has estimated.

Many people contract the viral infection for a second time too. “Dengue virus has been classified - DEN - 1, DEN 2, DEN 3 & DEN 4. So every time a person gets infected, only one type of virus is usually involved,” explains Dr. Saibal Chakravorty, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute, Noida.

“If someone contracts dengue for the second time, it might become more dangerous. This is a result of "dengue virus serotype cross-reactivity." A person is more likely to develop severe dengue if they have already had one serotype of the dengue virus and then contract a different serotype. This is because of how the immune system reacts,” he explains about the subsequent infections after the first infection.

Dr. Chakravorty advises seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment, taking good rest and keep drinking liquids as much as possible in order to stay hydrated, avoiding self-medication and taking over-the-counter medicines, keeping surroundings and environment clean, avoiding mosquito bites, wearing full sleeves clothes /protective clothing, and preventing collection and stagnation of water.

Symptoms of the infection that happens for the second time remain almost the same, says Dr. Chakravorty. “One is likely to experience high fever, severe body ache, loose motion, extreme aches, and pains,” he adds. “All these symptoms are almost similar, irrespective of the type of infection and number of times it has developed,” the expert says.

It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of the viral infection so that one can identify it easily and get medical help at the earliest. Some of symptoms of severe dengue infection are unbearable stomach pain, repeated episodes of vomiting, bleeding gums, rapid breathing, blood in stool, pale skin, extreme fatigue.

​Celine Dion's family shares health update​