Health Tips This Week: Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever – Causes, symptoms and Precautions

Dengue is a mosquito borne infection transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito. These kinds of mosquitoes usually breed in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. Dengue virus does not transmit directly from person to person, it is transmitted through infected blood replacement or organ plantation. The mosquitoes that cause dengue fever bite during the day time, early in the morning and evening before dusk.


The symptoms of dengue fever are:

• Sudden fever with the temperatures from (40 degree C / 104 Degree F). This kind of fever is not constant; it is there one day, gets reduced and then comes back after one or two days.
• Sudden headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle pain and joint pains are also some of the symptoms.
• Swollen glands or skin rashes similar to measles. Are other symptoms of dengue fever.
• In critical stages the symptoms may even be bleeding, or dangerous levels of low B. P

Preventive Methods:

• Accumulated water and unhygienic conditions breed these mosquitoes, so the best thing to do is to keep the surroundings clean and hygienic.
• Water storage containers should be emptied regularly should be cleaned and covered.
• As far as possible it will be best to use, mosquito repellents and nets.
• If there is any necessity to replace blood, make sure that it is not infected with virus. Same applies with organ transplant also.
• Once diagnosed, what are the measures to be taken?
• Water intake should be ample, and ors should be taken in short intervals. It is very important to see that the body fluid level is maintained.
• As far as diet is concerned, it is best to avoid spicy and oily food. It is best to take food that can be easily digested.
• Pain killers like ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided at any cost. Because, they increase the risk of bleeding.
• Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, blood test should be done as per need and follow up with the doctor is a must.