Dengue and Chikungunya are the two names which we are regularly hearing. Chikungunya have affected most parts of Central India and South India, while Dengue has been spreading each day in the North India. In such situation, it is in best interest of every Dombivlikar to be aware and do necessary preventive measures. 

KDMC have registered atleast 4 Dengue cases in Dombivli in last month. Our members talked to one of the patients, Mr. Pritish Joshi, who has just recovered from Dengue. Pritish has been hospitalized for 8 days before he was dicharged. 

What is Dengue?

Dengue fever is a disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with headache, fever, prostration, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and rash. The presence of fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) is particularly characteristic of dengue.

The principal vector mosquito, Ae. aegypti, is most frequently found in or near human habitations and prefers to feed on humans during the daytime. It has two peak periods of biting activity: in the morning for several hours after daybreak and in the late afternoon for several hours before dark. The mosquito may feed at any time during the day, however, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when it is overcast. Mosquito breeding sites include artificial water containers such as discarded tires, uncovered barrels, buckets, flower vases or pots, cans, and cisterns.

Symptoms: 

Dengue starts with chills, headache, pain upon moving the eyes, and low backache. Painful aching in the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of illness. The temperature rises quickly as high as 104° F, with relative low heart rate and low blood pressure. The eyes become reddened. A flushing or pale pink rash comes over the face and then disappears. The glands in the neck and groin are often swollen.

Fever and other signs of dengue last for 2 to 4 days, followed by rapid drop in temperature with profuse sweating. This heralds a period with normal temperature and a sense of well-being that lasts about a day. A second rapid rise in temperature follows. A characteristic rash appears simultaneously with the fever and spreading from the extremities to cover the entire body except the face. The palms and soles may be bright red and swollen.

Prevention:

No vaccine is available. It is thus advised that Dombivlikar can reduce their risk of acquiring dengue by remaining in well-screened or air-conditioned areas when possible, wearing clothing that adequately covers the arms and legs, and applying insect repellent to both skin and clothing. The most effective repellents are those containing N,N-diethylmetatoluamide. Use of mosquito nets, mosquito repellant creams would help prevent mosquito bite and thus not only dengue but other vector borne diseases. 

Keep your surrounding clean, avoid accumulation of water which are breeding area for mosquitos. Report any stagnant water areas to the health office at KDMC for necessary treatment and keep yourselves safe.