= » a a Apollo Hospitals rat a errr rer erry The first and only JCI Accredited hospital in Bangladesh bape fever is one of the most important viral diseases of major public health concern in Bangladesh. With yearly occurrences and deaths from the disease, it is crucial to have proper knowledge about dengue fever and seek treatment at the right time for effective control of the disease,What is dengue fever? Dengue fever is an acute viral infection, most common in tropical areas of the world like Bangladesh, where the dengue causing virus (Flavivirus) is prevalent. The infection causes severe flu-like illness, and sometimes potentially life-threatening forms like dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). How is dengue virus transmitted? Dengue virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mos- quito of the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus species. The disease does not spread directly from person to person. After the entry of the virus in the person, it multiplies in the lymph glands in the body. The symptoms develop when the virus has multiplied in sufficient numbers to cause the symptoms. This happens generally about 4-6 days (average) after getting infected with the virus. What are the forms of dengue fever? There are two main forms of dengue fever: 1. Dengue fever (DF) is the common form with fever-like symptoms, and if properly managed, can be effectively cured. 2. Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a less common and severe form of dengue where the patient shows bleeding. This form can become dangerous since it may cause damage to the blood vessels. Immediate hospital treatment is required for the patient. Patients may also develop shock (dengue shock syndrome), which is the most risky symptom leading to most deaths, especially in children. But good treatment provided in time can save most lives.What are the symptoms of dengue fever? Dengue fever shows a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations depending on the form of the disease. If you notice symptoms of dengue fever, contact your doctor immediately, especially in the case of DHF. © Dengue fever (DF) DF is characterized by high fever, severe headache, pain behind eyes, muscle & joint pains, nausea or vomiting, and rash. The fever lasts for 3 to 7 days. ® Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) When the temperature drops after 3 to 4 days of DF, the appearance of warning signs can indicate DHF, These warning signs include severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting, red spots or patches on the skin, bleeding from nose or gums, vomiting blood, black & tarry stool, drowsiness/irritability, skin that is pale, cold or clammy, and difficulty breathing. Patients showing warning signs should be taken to the ER immediately. If not treated at the earliest, the patient will undergo massive haemorrhage, circulatory collapse, and go into shock, which may lead to death. How will my doctor diagnose dengue? Your doctor can diagnose dengue based on your clinical symptoms. Apollo Lab Medicine Department has laboratory tests that provide evidence for the occurrence of dengue infection. There are some additional tests that can identify the type of dengue infection. Our laboratories offer international standard services with reliable results evaluated by post graduate doctors.What is the treatment for dengue fever? Dengue fever is caused by a virus for which there is no known cure or vaccine; the only treatment is to treat the symptoms of the disease. ® Rest and fluid intake for adequate hydration is important. Rehydration with intravenous (IV) fluids is often necessary to treat dehydration. ® Intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes are also used to correct electrolyte imbalances. ® Antibiotics are not helpful. Painkillers like aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken without doctor's supervision because of the possibility of worsening haemorrhagic complications. ® Acetaminophen and codeine may be given for severe headache and for joint & muscle pains (myalgia). @ Transfusion of fresh blood or platelets can correct bleeding problems in HDF patients. @ Oxygen therapy may be needed to treat abnormally low blood oxygen. ® Continuous supportive care should be provided to critical patients in an intensive care unit. eT ge Cure err Cm alte) Liu e s es A person could suffer from dengue more than once in his/her lifetime because of four different but related strains of dengue virus. If a person has suffered from one virus, he is only immune to that virus; there can be a repeat occurrence of denque if a different strain is involved subsequently. People previously affected with dengue fever appear to be at the highest risk of developing it again.Me Evia lite CR Ca ag Without any available vaccines for the disease, the only reliable way to prevent dengue fever is to get rid of the places where mosquitoes breed and take measures to avoid mosquito bites. Dengue infected mosquitoes usually bite during the daytime (especially in the morning and evening) and live near human habitation, which increases the risk of the disease, ® Getting rid of mosquito breeding places The dengue infected mosquitoes usually breed in places where there is collection of water, including flower pots, aquarium, blocked drains and roof gutters, garbage bins, etc. To prevent mosquito breeding areas, water should be regularly changed or removed from such places, and all blockages causing stagnant water should be cleared. Always keep your surroundings clean, including taking community initiatives to clean drains, dispose garbage properly, and fog potential breeding zones. © Avoiding mosquito bites Mosquito bites can be avoided by taking measures like: 1, Wearing protective light-coloured and long sleeved clothing 2. Using a mosquito repellant 3. Staying in places with well-screened windows and doors, and repairing screens with holes 4, Using indoor sprays, mosquito nets, coils, etc.Ce Oke ec Can T eR ir Ree UWI esa year. Some 2.5 billion people - two fifths of the world's population - are at risk from dengue. The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades, including in Bangladesh. The first epidemic of dengue haemorrhagic fever occurred in the country in mid 2000, when 5,551 Ou Met ons eee Re oem ie then, the incidence of dengue fever has been occurring every year in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka city, which is a constant threat to the population. BUA Crs eel mel ate ee (Uae Tate oct Le to be educated about denque fever and know how to prevent and control the disease, especially patients with a previous history of dengue fever, who are at the highest risk of developing it. = Apollo Hospitals er eye tod touching Lives aise erst ee ou Ee aL a Pe a cuts da Leg | Appointment: (02)-8845242, 01841-APOLLO, 01729-APOLLO 01195-APOLLO, 01612-APOLLO, 01971-APOLLO | (Note: APOLLO Signifies 276556) Cee ul MR srl ese eel