With a new, virulent strain of the dengue virus, DENV-2 said to be causing severe fever and threatening outcomes, The World Health Organization (WHO) regards dengue fever as the world’s fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease. The dengue virus (DENV) responsible for dengue fever has four distinct but related serotypes. When a person recovers from their first infection, they gain lifetime immunity from this single serotype only. According to the latest reports, the disease has affected around 1000 people in Delhi this year. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has recently been quoted saying, “This is the lowest figure for Delhi in the last five years.”
On this good note, here we share some of the common myths surrounding dengue which is characterized by symptoms
Myths And Facts of dengue in 2021
On this good note, here we share some of the common myths surrounding dengue which is characterized by symptoms
1.As dengue cases surge
Dengue fever cases are on the rise in numerous states and locations, posing a greater threat than the COVID virus at the moment. With a new, virulent strain of the dengue virus, DENV-2, generating severe fever and life-threatening results, we must be equally as cautious in our approach and implement important measures to prevent the spread of dengue and other seasonal diseases currently being reported.
2.Any mosquito can cause dengue.
Fact: Dengue can only be transmitted through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes. Also, they can transfer the disease only when they themselves are infected by dengue.
3.Dengue fever cannot do any harm.
Fact: Like every other disease, dengue is both mild and severe. If you get the proper treatment in the initial phase, you won’t be severely affected by the condition. But, the late interruption may lead to complications like confusion, breathing difficulty, internal bleeding, liver failure, etc.
4.DENGUE FEVER IS CONTAGIOUS.
Dengue is not transmissible from person to person. It can only be spread by the Aedes mosquito. dengue when they are bitten by an infected female Aedes mosquito, and symptoms will emerge four to seven days after being bitten.
However, Aedes mosquitos generally would not travel far from their breeding area – typically up to 400 meters. As such, if your family member has been bitten by an Aedes mosquito at home, it’s likely that you’re at risk of dengue fever as well.
5.DENGUE FEVER IS NOT SERIOUS.
Dengue fever can be fatal if it is not treated properly. Once infected, common symptoms of dengue include high fever; headache; muscle and joint ache. Typically, the fever will last for three to five days.
Symptoms of severe dengue will start 24 – 48 hours after your initial fever has subsided. Watch out for these warning signs, which may indicate that your dengue fever is worsening:
- Persistent vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding from nose, gums; in vomit or stool
- Fatigue
6. vaccine to prevent Dengue?
No, till now there is no vaccine to protect against dengue. There has been recent progress in the field of vaccine development. The candidate currently at the most advanced clinical development stage till now is live attenuated tetravalent vaccine.
7. Dengue Fever Can Be Cured By Using Papaya Leaf.
Fact: Well, papaya leaf can be used to manage the symptoms of the condition. But it cannot treat dengue fever. Various studies have found that the use of papaya leaf can lead to a significant increase in platelet count in patients suffering from dengue fever.
8.House Clean Can Totally Prevent You From Getting Dengue Fever.
Fact: Though keeping your house clean is considered as one of the preventive measures to keep dengue at bay, it does not guarantee that you will be away from the infection. Keeping the area around your house, clean is also advisable. In case, somebody in your neighbourhood has a breeding ground for mosquitoes (stagnant water), infected Aedes mosquitoes may fly in your house and bite you. Notably, the flight range of this mosquito is 400 meters. Therefore, it is always said that preventing the onset of dengue can only be a collective effort and not of an individual.
9. Individuals Can Get Dengue Fever.
Fact: Factors like age, gender, and socioeconomic condition do not decide your risk of getting affected by dengue fever. Anybody can be affected by it. What really increase your risk of developing dengue fever includes living in tropical regions and having prior dengue fever.
10.mosquito repellent vaporisers, so we are safe.
A closer look at the composition of these repellents — and in fact after testing them too — I discovered that most of them contain allethrin or pyrethrin (analogue). I can actually spot mosquitoes merrily going around despite the use of these vaporisers because their concentration is not adequate to repel mosquitoes.
11. Application of coconut oil can protect you
Coconut oil has numerous health advantages. “There is no association between coconut oil and dengue control,” says Dr. S.N. Aravinda, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster RV Hospital, JP Nagar, Bengaluru.
For a long time, claims that using coconut oil can prevent dengue fever have been spreading on social media and numerous chat programmes. Many people believe that coconut oil has an antiviral component that reduces the risk of infection.
Protection from mosquito bites
1. The best option is to apply mosquito repellent on the exposed parts of your body. As we don’t have DEET-based repellents in India, the next best option seems to be Odomos or similar products.
2. However, the most effective step would be to spray in potential breeding areas like behind curtains, under sinks, in cisterns, in potted plants, empty pots, etc.
3. It is time to get rid of unwanted potted plants, pots, empty vases, etc.
4. Kitchens, unfortunately, are the biggest culprits. Be ruthless in ensuring that there is effective garbage disposal and spray under the sink, cupboards and storage areas.
5. Dispose of junk now!
What if a family member or friend is diagnosed with dengue?
If there is suspicion, contact your doctor immediately. Dengue is like any other viral fever.
the real problem is the blood counts, particularly platelet counts that start falling.
Platelets are the blood cells that aid in the coagulation of blood. The main danger of dengue fever is that if the platelet count drops too low, it might cause bleeding.
By’substantially,’ I mean that normal platelet counts are roughly 2-3 lakh, but they can drop to fewer than a lakh in extreme cases. After it lowers to 20,000 or below, bleeding can occur.