National Dengue Day 2024: Look out for these symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment

Individuals who live in or travel to dengue-infested areas should use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets. (Image: Canva)

You must have heard the saying that health is wealth and indeed, maintaining good health is invaluable. The dengue viral, transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a significant health threat globally, with millions of cases reported annually. Understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention can make a crucial difference in managing this potentially life-threatening illness.

Recognising the signs

Dengue fever often presents with a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. While some individuals may experience no symptoms at all, others may develop flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a distinctive rash, says Dr Krunal Desai, consultant physician and intensivist, Sterling hospitals, Rajkot.

He says that these symptoms typically appear 4 to 10 days after infection and can last for 2 to 7 days. However, it's essential to be vigilant for warning signs of severe dengue, which require immediate medical attention. These include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding gums or nose, rapid breathing, fatigue, restlessness, and cold skin. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical care to prevent complications.

Diagnosis and treatment

Early diagnosis of dengue is important, and a definitive diagnosis is made through blood tests that detect the antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the infection. While there is no specific antiviral treatment for the fever, supportive care plays a key role in eliminating symptoms and preventing complications.

For mild cases, the treatment focuses on reducing pain and fever. The Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, is commonly prescribed, whereas nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin should be avoided due to the risk of bleeding. However, in severe cases of dengue, hospitalisation is required to provide fluids through IVs, blood products, and other supportive care.

Prevention strategies

Preventing dengue begins with controlling mosquito populations and avoiding mosquito bites. Individuals who live in or travel to dengue infested areas should use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets. Additionally, eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed can help reduce transmission. Factors such as urbanisation, climate change, and population movements, also contribute to the spread of the disease, says Desai. While efforts to develop vaccines have made progress, current vaccines are limited in their scope and availability.

Early detection of dengue symptoms is necessary for timely intervention and improved outcomes. One must remain vigilant, especially during outbreaks or in areas where dengue is expected. By recognising the signs, seeking prompt medical care, and implementing preventive measures, we can reduce the impact of this fatal illness on public health.