Dengue can hit you in the summers too

Dengue, the dreaded mosquito-borne viral disease has become one of the worst ordeals for the country. Also referred to as ‘break bone fever’ or ‘dandy fever’ in some regions, it is caused by a family of viruses and transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes.

The onset of dengue fever is sudden, with initial symptoms being benign, but they may get severe with time. It may take three to seven, or sometimes even fifteen days for the symptoms of the disease to show up. Common symptoms range from fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, to swollen lymph nodes along with rashes. Recovery from dengue fever generally takes place within a week, unless the condition gets severe. Dengue can be life-threatening if the condition gets critical.

Dengue is no longer restricted only to the monsoon season, with sporadic cases of the disease being reported during summers as well. Delhi has recorded 600+ cases of dengue already this year and the number is only expected to go up. Dengue caused in summers is attributed to the storage of water in water coolers and keeping water in containers for birds and other animals. Travelling to foreign locations with high humidity and rainy weather could also lead to the transfer of dengue virus.

Dengue outbreak during summers is sporadic in nature and not endemic, as is seen during the monsoon season. The major cause of dengue during summers is found to be the storage of water in water coolers, which provides a conducive environment for the Aedes mosquitoes to breed. This increases the likelihood of the occurrence of the disease.

The clinical course of dengue infection is divided into three phases - febrile, critical, and recovery. High fever (over 104⁰F), generalized pain and headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting, mark the febrile phase of the disease. In some patients, as the fever resolves, the disease progresses towards the critical phase characterized by fluid accumulation in the chest and abdominal cavity. Organ dysfunction and severe bleeding may also occur.

The critical phase is rare, but occurs more commonly in young adults and children. The recovery phase follows the critical phase and lasts for two to three days. In this phase, there is an improvement in the condition of the patient accompanied with itching, slow heart rate, and a feeling of fatigue.

According to the top pharmaceutical companies in India, one needs to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes to prevent the disease. Wearing long sleeves shirts and long pants, using EPA registered mosquito repellants, using a mosquito net, and avoiding areas with standing water during mornings and evenings can greatly reduce the likelihood of the occurrence the disease.

Management of dengue is symptomatic and requires proper treatment, sufficient fluid intake, and a fair amount of rest. However, if signs like persistent fever, drowsiness, and bleeding are noted, then hospitalization becomes critical to ensure complete care. This is primarily because the virus is found to affect other organs as well and that requires experts to come together to manage the disease.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician's advice. Please consult your treating Physician for more details.