Dengue fever symptoms and treatment
Dengue fever may seem minor initially, but it can become serious within a few days and, in severe cases, even lead to death. It is more common among individuals with weak immune systems. Dengue is caused by the bite of a specific female mosquito, Aedes aegypti.
Symptoms of dengue fever
There are four types of dengue viruses, but typically, a patient shows symptoms of only one type at a time. Seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear can help us reduce the illness's severity.
Early symptoms of dengue include high fever, intense body pain and fatigue, pain in the legs and joints, headache, a change in taste, facial redness or pink patches on the skin, and chills.
Joint and muscle pain can become so severe that it feels like the bones are breaking—hence, dengue is also known as "breakbone fever."
Why do platelets decrease in dengue fever?
In response to this question, he said, "A drop in platelet count is standard during illness. Usually, a healthy person has a platelet count between 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood.
In seasonal fevers, this count can drop to around 90,000 to 100,000. However, in the case of dengue virus, the platelet count can fall drastically—sometimes to 20,000 or even lower—putting the patient's condition at serious risk."
The precautions to prevent dengue
He stated, "Undoubtedly, dengue can be prevented through proper precautions. The dengue mosquito thrives in clean, stagnant water and is most active at sunrise and sunset. Therefore, it is essential to cover all food and drink items, including drinking water containers, to prevent mosquito contact.
The key to prevention is stopping mosquito breeding. This requires strict attention to cleanliness inside and around the house. Fill all open ditches and depressions where water can collect. Water tanks should be thoroughly cleaned, and water storage containers should be emptied and cleaned in the morning and evening. Avoid letting water accumulate in plant pots, and regularly spray mosquito repellent on indoor and outdoor plants.
Additionally, he advised, "Patients with dengue should consult a doctor immediately. Special care must be taken with diet. Consume foods that help increase platelet count. Drinking papaya leaf juice three times daily with a bit of honey in lukewarm water is beneficial.