Dengue cases on a rise in the capital

05 October, 2012

The dengue toll reached 98 on Wednesday in capital New Delhi, with ten new cases reported in the city. This mosquito-borne disease is on a rage from the past few weeks and has claimed two lives till now, adding to the worries of residents.

SOME CASES of dengue are also reported from the IIT Delhi campus. And two faculty members from AIIMS have also been reported positive for this fever. Last year, 200 cases of dengue and three deaths due to the disease were reported till October. Health experts are saying that the present weather conditions are suitable for mosquito breeding and the chances of dengue and malaria are high during this time.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection which causes a tropical viral fever. It is transmitted to the humans by mosquitoes. The risk of this mosquito-borne disease is more in the urban region than the rural region. According to the World Health Organization, the rise in the dengue cases has been drastic in the recent years and it is becoming a great danger to the public health.

The increased rates of dengue cases can be attributed to the population growth, growing urban areas, long distance travels, poor mosquito control and lack of sanitation. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is the more severe form of dengue infection, which can become fatal if it stays unrecognized and untreated.

As the dengue fever is on a rage, the main precaution to be taken is to prevent ourselves from mosquitoes. The mosquitoes that cause dengue, usually bite during the day time. So, the parents should apply some mosquito repellent creams on their school going children as they wear half sleeve tops or shirts. The mosquitoes mainly breed in the stagnant water, so you should be careful about any stagnation of water in your surroundings. “If you find any stagnation then immediately drain all the stagnated water and if it is not possible than pour some kerosene over it,” Dr. Debangshu Dam, a general practitioner advised while speaking to this citizen journalist .

Another general practitioner, Dr. O.D. Gupta said that government should take proper precautions to combat the dengue menace and should take proper measures to prevent its recurrence in the future. The measures that can be taken by the government are: doing proper fogging in the colonies, developing proper drainage system and covering the potholes (which can be mode for water stagnation ). “There is no specific treatment for dengue fever and the treatment is given only to relive the symptoms of the fever,” Dr. Gupta said.

There are no specific symptoms for dengue fever. The young children and babies can develop some rashes over the body and suffer mild fever. Usually the fever goes off on its own, but in the severe case it can decrease the platelet count and can be fatal. So, Dr. Debangshu suggested: “If the fever extends for more than three days, then it is better to consult a doctor and have a general blood test done.” He also added that any drug containing 'Ibuprofen' should not be taken as a medication for dengue fever as it decreases the platelet count and even worsens the condition.