Prevent Dengue By Taking These Great Steps

Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fevers (DHF) are severe febrile diseases which occur in the tropics could be life-threatening. Additionally, it is referred to as a break-bone fever as it can be exceedingly debilitating.

Fever of abrupt onset correlated with a headache, joint and muscle pains (myalgias and arthralgias, acute pain which gives it the nickname break-bone fever or bone crusher disease), identifying retro-orbital pain and rash.The classic dengue rash is a generalized maculopapular rash with islands of sparing. A hemorrhagic outbreak of characteristically bright red pinpoint spots, called petechiae can happen later during the disease and is related to thrombocytopenia. It typically appears first on the lower limbs and the torso; in individual patients, it spreads to cover the majority of the body. There might also be the acute retro-orbital pain, (a pain from underneath the eyes which are distinctive to Dengue ailments), and gastritis with some combo of related abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting coffee-grounds-like congealed blood or nausea.

DSS - DENGUE SHOCK SYNDROME

Dengue shock syndrome is described as dengue hemorrhagic fever also:

• Weak, rapid pulse
• Narrow pulse pressure (less than 20 mm Hg)
• Cold, clammy skin and restlessness.

The diagnosis of dengue is usually made clinically. "The classic picture is high fever with no localizing source of disease, a rash with thrombocytopenia and relative leukopenia - low platelet and white blood cell count" A platelet transfusion may be suggested if the platelet level drops significantly (below 20,000) or when there is significant bleeding. The presence of melena may indicate internal gastrointestinal bleeding requiring platelet or red blood cell transfusion.

PREVENTION

Dengue fever is caused by Dengue virus a mosquito-borne flavivirus hence the only method of preventing or controlling the spread of dengue virus transmission is to combat the vector mosquitoes by the maintenance of sanitary condition, hygiene, avoiding stagnant water, using mosquito repellents or mosquito nets.