Caught in the Storm: Dengue Fever in Pakistan: A wrestle Against Time..

 


1/3 of pakistan is drowned

A nation in chaos of political and economical instability, recovering from the aftermaths of Covid-19, post socio economic crisis, is plunged into claws of dengue fever. Times worst floods of monsoon has struck Pakistan with a final below.

Millions are homeless after floods, infrastructures are destroyed, people have to relocate in camps, where poor hygiene and limited resources of sanitation, is a main source of Dengue along with other outbreaks.

GP clinicians, have compelling problem to differentiate between the similar symptoms of Dengue and Covid-19 viruses. Destroyed and unsupervised health structure of District and Tehsil level medical hospitals and no quarantine ward for separation of dengue and covid patients, are making the matters worse.

One must Know the symptoms of Dengue fever

Dengue Fever is characterized by high fever, severe headache, and a rash on the face. The fever may last from 2 to 7 days and is accompanied by intense muscle pains and headache. People with dengue fever may also experience nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, increased blood flow, and impaired kidney and liver function. There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. The main goal is to reduce the fever and relieve the symptoms. A person with dengue fever should rest and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. As the illness progresses, a person may need to be admitted to hospital.

Causes of Dengue fever

The dengue virus is spread to people by mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. Once someone is infected with the virus, they will not be able to infect other people. The mosquito that spreads the virus to people is also the species that spreads malaria. Only about 50% of those who are infected will show symptoms, and only about 20–30% of those infected will develop severe forms of the disease. The risk of contracting the virus increases during rainy seasons. The DENV1 virus primarily infects people who are older than 60 years. People of all ages can be infected with the DENV2, 3, or 4 viruses.

Diagnosis of dengue fever

There are no laboratory tests except cbc, other tests can only be performed after at least 3 to 4 days that can confirm dengue fever. As with many other diseases, diagnosis is based on a person’s symptoms, the person’s medical history, and the results of a thorough physical examination.

Treatment and prevention of Dengue Fever

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. The main goal is to reduce the fever and relieve the symptoms. A person with dengue fever should rest and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If a person is hospitalized with severe dengue fever, doctors may treat the fever with antipyretic drugs like paracetamol (acetaminophen), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or both. Antibiotics may also be used to fight bacterial infections. To prevent dengue fever, people should avoid getting mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent, staying indoors during peak times for mosquito activity, and reducing the number of containers where water can collect, such as ckets and wading pools.

Proposal to reduce risk of getting dengue in Pakistan

Researchers from the Lahore-based International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have proposed a genetically engineered mosquito to reduce the risk of getting dengue fever. The genetically engineered mosquito, called the “DEN1611”, is a male mosquito that produces less virus when it feeds on humans. In laboratory tests, genetically modified mosquitoes were able to reduce the virus 61% when compared to wild mosquitoes. The genetically engineered mosquitoes do not appear to harm people or other mammals, but they could be a useful tool against dengue fever in areas where the disease is a problem.

Conclusion

Dengue fever is a common viral infection, caused by any one of five types of the dengue virus. It can cause a severe, sometimes life-threatening, illness. People get infected by mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. During the monsoon season, the disease is particularly prevalent in urban areas, as mosquitoes are more active during this time. People who are at high risk of dengue infection include those older than 60 years, people who have weak immune systems, and people who are malnourished or have other health conditions. If you are at risk of dengue fever, you should wear insect repellent, stay indoors during peak times for mosquito activity, and reduce the number of containers where water can collect, such as buckets and wading pools. If you develop dengue fever, you should drink plenty of water, rest, and seek medical care quickly.

For flood victims, with tents, donation of mosquito defogging machines and their pesticide shall be of great help.

Watch My video: Female infertilty: Causes Myths and Treatment

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