Dengue on the rise

Dengue virus infections are significant causes of mortality in many parts of India. Out of 1540 suspected cases, 240 cases in the state were found to be dengue positive since January this year. The rise of the infection in the state is a major cause of concern for citizens. With the onset of monsoon, the rise in cases is highly likely.

The virus is believed to cause two forms of clinical syndrome, namely classical dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). Dengue fever is a self limiting disease and represents the majority of cases of dengue infection. In some situations, it manifests in severe forms as haemorrhagic (DHF) fever. DF/DHF is caused by a group B arbovirus (Flavivirus) and includes serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

How does dengue spread?

Dengue is spread through the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is easily identified by the characteristic white strips on its back and legs. The mosquito gets the virus by biting infected persons and they transmit it to human hosts after an extrinsic period of 8-10 days.

Prevention of Dengue

All efforts should be made against mosquito bites and elimination of its breeding places, such as stored and exposed water collectors.

Prevent the multiplication of mosquitoes

• Drain out the water from desert cooler window air coolers when not in use, tanks, barrels, drums and buckets etc.

• Stored water containers should be kept covered all the time.

• Discard waste objects in which water collects like bottles, plastic bags, tins and tyres.

How we can help ourselves?

• Wearing full sleeve clothes and long dresses to cover limbs.

• Using repellents. Care should be taken in using repellents on young children and the aged.

• Using mosquito coils and electric vapour mats during day time to prevent mosquito bites.

• Using mosquito nets – to protect babies, old and others may rest during the day time. Use insecticide impregnated nets if possible. Curtain can also be treated with pyrethroid insecticide and hung at windows or doorways, to repel or kill mosquitoes (The writer is retired deputy director, medical and health services of Central Malaria Laboratory, Hyderabad.)