Dengue: How To Protect Ourselves From The Vector-Borne Disease

Dr. Ajay Agarwal informed that vector-borne diseases like Dengue are caused by vectors, which are living organisms, such as mosquitoes. It is transmitted to humans through Aedes mosquitoes (also known as forest mosquitoes), he added.

Talking about the cases of Dengue, Dr. Dhiren Gupta said that stagnant and slow-draining water acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and the warmer temperatures enhance the virus replication within the mosquitoes' bodies. Besides, these species can enter homes through microscopic openings in doors, windows, vents, and chimneys.

The symptoms of Dengue vary from mild to severe. Nearly 99 per cent of the patients showcase mild and moderate symptoms. "The patients come in with complaints of mild fever, headache, throat pain, bodyache, vomiting, recurrent loose motions, swollen glands, nausea, pain in the eyes, and mild breathlessness," Dr Ajay Agarwal said.

'Patients with severe symptoms may experience a high-grade fever, a decrease in the platelet count, acute dehydration, severe abdominal pain, a drop in the blood pressure, fatigue, weakness, persistent vomiting, loose motions, and yellow eyes,' Dr Agarwal added.

Dr Dhiren Gupta said that the complications of dengue fever are primarily seen among the extreme age groups: newborns or children below one year of age and the elderly population. Besides, the disease is prevalent among people with weak immune systems and co-morbidities like diabetes, he added.

Dr Gupta highlighted another set of individuals who are prone to Dengue fever: obese people and individuals who have been infected previously and were asymptomatic.

For patients experiencing mild or moderate symptoms, they are required to stay at home, include plenty of fluids in their diet, and use medicines to bring down the fever if prescribed by the doctor, Dr Ajay Agarwal said. Patients with severe symptoms may require hospitalisation and platelet transfusions, he added.

"Prevention of the complication is the major treatment for dengue," Dr Agarwal said. He said that maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness can help reduce dengue fever cases by a large margin. Additionally, individuals should wear protective clothing during the monsoon season and use insect repellents at home to protect themselves, he added.

Dr Agarwal said that avoiding the accumulation of water in flower pots and home appliances and cleaning drains at home routinely is most important to stop the breeding of mosquitoes, further decreasing the chances of contracting the disease.