Dengue Explosion

Dengue fever cases are soaring in the country. Numerous outbreaks have been reported in different parts of the nation and several mortalities were also noted. Currently at the hospital, the number of cases are also on the rise especially in the pediatric service. Lucky for us, most if not all cases of dengue in the hospital do not need any blood transfusion.

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted usually by the dreaded Aedes mosquito. Symptoms usually include fever, headache, body malaise, joint points and some would present with a skin rash. Symptoms usually appear 3-14 days after a bite from an infected mosquito,. There are severe forms of dengue, which usually has bleeding, thrombocytopenia and hypotension.

Treatment of dengue fever is usually supportive, IV or oral hydration, anti pyretics for fever, and usually for the severe forms transfusion might be necessary. Currently there are no vaccines for dengue, but we can do preventive measures to avoid the disease. Prevention is done by emptying water containers, cleaning canals, wearing protective gears to avoid mosquito bites, etc.

Dengue fever may be lethal if left untreated, early recognition is important together with preventive measures to avoid its spread.