India
healthysoch
New Delhi, May 17, 2020 :
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and, sometimes causing a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue. The incidence of dengue has increased 30-fold over the last 50 years. Up to 50-100 million infections are now estimated to occur annually in over 100 endemic countries, putting almost half of the world’s population at risk.
Dengue Fever :
Dengue causes flu-like symptoms and lasts for 2-7 days. Dengue fever usually occurs after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite of the infected mosquito. High Fever (40°C/ 104°F) is usually accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Pain behind eyes
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Joint, bone or muscle pains
- Rash
Severe dengue :
When developing into severe dengue, the critical phase takes place around 3-7 days after the first sign of illness. Temperature will decrease; this does NOT mean the person is necessarily recovering. On the other hand, special attention needs to be given to these warning signs as it could lead to severe dengue:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding gums
- Vomiting blood
- Rapid breathing
- Fatigue/ restlessness
When severe dengue is suspected, the person should be rushed to the emergency room or to the closest health care provider as it causes:
- Plasma leaking that may lead to shock and/or fluid accumulation with/without respiratory distress;
- Severe bleeding;
- Severe organ impairment.