Symptoms of dengue outbreak
Monsoons do bring much-needed respite from summers, but it is also accompanied by mosquitoes borne disease, which breed in stagnant water. Every year thousands of cases of dengue, encephalitis, malaria, typhoid, and other mosquito-borne diseases are reported from different parts of the country. This year the condition got severe with the dengue outbreak reported in part of the country due to a new strain of Dengue virus (DENV) suspected of killing dozens of people in Uttar Pradesh alone.
A new variant of Dengue has been observed in over 11 states in the country which has become a big concern for health experts.
Though, the dengue outbreak is under control, several cases of high fever caused by the new variant of Dengue DENV 2 is being reported in many cities across the country.
Symptoms of the new strain of virus
Among the multiple variants -- DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 of the dengue virus, DENV 2 or the strain D2 is considered to be the most severe and can even lead to fatal internal bleeding and shock.
Dr Balram Bhargava, Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research, told the media that the strain is particularly virulent and capable of inducing mortality. He added that it was one of the reasons behind the mysterious fever which had hit the western UP districts of Firozabad, Agra, Mathura and Aligarh that led to the deaths of many people last month.
Speaking to IANS, Dr B.L. Sherwal, RGSS Hospital Director, said that irrespective of the Dengue strain, the precaution is same as the same mosquito spreads the disease. He said that the most important precaution is not to let water stagnate around you and use full sleeve dress. He warned that this type of mosquito generally bites in the day time, so we need to take extra care of it. Dr Sherwal added that these are just types of dengue with more or less same symptoms and same pattern of prevention too.
Why this virus is more dangerous?
Dr Vineeta Singh Tandon of PSRI Hospital said that D2 is more virulent and can cause high grade fever, vomiting, joint pains, altered sensorium and may even lead to lethal complications resulting in dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
If a person was infected by one sero type in the past, a second infection by another sero type increases the risk of causing dengue hemorrhagic fever. Rest, hydration and managing fever with paracetamol is advisable. One should avoid taking analgesics and aspirin.
How to stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases
It is very important to keep yourself safe from mosquito-borne diseases in the monsoon season. Manier time we do not realise that we are harbouring mosquitoes in our vicinity and increasing the risk of getting infected with mosquito-borne diseases. Taking small steps can help to keep you and your family safe. Here are a few things that you can do.
Do not let water stagnate anywhere in and around your home. Stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Keep your neighbourhood clean. Mosquitoes always hide in tall grass, hollow logs, and litter.
Keep your doors and windows closed in the evening.
Wear full sleeves clothes when you go out in the evening and apply mosquito repellant.
Eat healthily and drink lots of water. Also, keep your food covered to avoid food-borne diseases.
(With inputs from IANS)