Beware of that sting

Dengue is a viral infection spread by the bite of the aedes aegypti mosquito. It is not communicable: it does not spread directly from person to person. The dengue fever lasts for seven to 10 days.

Symptoms

Sudden high fever

Severe headache

Swollen lymph glands

Severe joints and muscle pain

Skin rash (appear between two to five days after the initial fever)

Mild to severe nausea

Mild to severe vomiting

Mild bleeding from nose and gums.

Bruising on skin

Febrile convulsions

Pain behind the eyes

Drowsiness or irritability

Pale, cold and clammy skin

Difficulty in breathing

Tests

Antibody titer for Dengue virus types

Complete blood count (CBC) Test

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test

Preventive measures

Avoid densely populated residential areas.

Keep your home and environment hygienic. If your surroundings are clean, there will be no room for the mosquitoes to breed.

Mosquitoes breed at stagnant water places. So do not store water in empty containers. Check for hidden water bodies like manholes, septic tanks, clogged drains, wells.

The areas where still water can collect such as, birdbaths, pet dishes, empty planters, flower pots, cans, etc., should be checked, emptied or changed regularly.

Use mosquito repellents on exposed skin.

Use air conditioning instead of opening windows.

Use mosquito net if sleeping areas are not covered.

Wear long sleeve clothes and long pants when mosquitoes are most active.

Make sure windows and door screens are secure and free of holes.

Seek early consultation, if experienced with symptoms.