aBouT D. E. N. G. U. E. (from GSDH Bulletin)

Dengue is an acute fever caused by a virus and occurs in the forms of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. Dengue fever (DF) is marked by the onset of sudden high fever, severe headache and pain behind the eyes, muscles and joints. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a more severe form, in which bleeding and sometimes shock occurs – leading to death. It is most serious in children. Symptoms of bleeding usually occur after 3-5 days of fever. The high fever continues for five to six days (39-40º) and comes down on the third or the fourth day but rises again.

Recognition of dengue fever:
• Sudden onset of high fever
• Severe headache (forehead)
• Pain behind the eyes
• Body aches and joint pains
• Nausea or vomiting

Recognition of dengue hemorrhagic fever and shock:
Symptoms similar to dengue fever plus any of the following:
• severe and continuous pain in the abdomen
• bleeding from the nose, mouth and gums or skin bruising
• frequent vomiting with or without blood
• black stool (like coal)
• excessive thirst (dry mouth)
• pale, cold skin
• restlessness, or sleepiness

Treatment
There is no specific medicine for the treatment of the disease. However proper and early treatment can relieve the symptoms and prevent complications and death. Aspirin, Brufen, NSAIDS, and ketorolac should be avoided in dengue fever, as it is known to increase the bleeding tendency and also it increases the stomach pain. Paracetamol can be given on medical advice.


Important Facts:

• The first symptoms of dengue occur about 5-7 days after an infected bite.
• Dengue mosquitoes rest indoors - in closets and dark places and outdoors - in cool and shaded areas.
• Mosquitoes become infected when they bite people who are sick with dengue.
• Dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.
• Rehydration, both orally and intravenously, doesn’t cure the disease but it is necessary to increase resistance against the disease.
• Tawa-tawa doesn’t fight the dengue virus. It only promotes the development of blood platelets and softens the effect of virus which attacks the blood.

Starting September 2010, RAPID TEST FOR DENGUE is already available at GSDH Laboratory for Php 1, 500. Results are determined after an hour.