Alert: These can be symptoms of dengue - causes, symptoms, and treatment

New Delhi : Dengue fever is a deadly and dangerous disease. It's not that there's no treatment for it, but if it's not detected in time, this disease can become a serious threat to the patient's life. Baljinder Singh, the District Health Officer of Sirsa, has explained in detail about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dengue fever. He believes that staying vigilant during this disease is crucial.

Dr. Baljinder Singh says that dengue fever is a distressing mosquito-borne disease that weakens the body. Those who get infected with the dengue virus for the second time are at a higher risk of developing a severe illness. The symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, rashes on the body, headache, and joint and muscle pain. In severe cases, there can be bleeding and shock, which can be life-threatening.

Causes of Dengue Fever

• Dengue fever is caused by one of the four closely related dengue viruses. These viruses are related to the ones that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever.

• Being around an infected person doesn't give you dengue fever. Instead, it spreads through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters their bloodstream and causes the infection.

• After recovering from dengue fever, you have long-term immunity against the virus that infected you - but not against the other three types of dengue viruses. This means you can get reinfected by any of the other three types in the future. If you get dengue fever for the second, third, or fourth time, the risk of severe dengue fever increases.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

The symptoms of dengue fever, which usually appear four to six days after infection and last for about ten days, may include:

• Sudden high fever (105 degrees Fahrenheit)

• Severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Severe joint and muscle pain

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Skin rash, appearing a few days after the fever starts

• Mild bleeding (such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding)

Dr. Singh explains that sometimes the symptoms of dengue fever can be mild, resembling flu or other viral infections. In cases of young children and individuals who haven't been previously infected, the symptoms are often milder compared to older children and adults. However, severe complications can develop. These include dengue hemorrhagic fever, shock syndrome, and organ failure. Severe cases can lead to bleeding, shock, and even death.

Dr. Singh mentions that individuals with weak immune systems and those who have been repeatedly infected with dengue are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. This occurs when the blood vessels become damaged, leading to leakage and reduced platelet count. Severe cases can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death.

Severe dengue fever warning signs, which are life-threatening emergencies that can develop rapidly, often just before or after the fever subsides, may include:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Bleeding from gums or nose

• Blood in urine, stool, or vomit

• Skin rash resembling a bruise

• Difficult or rapid breathing

• Fatigue

• Restlessness or irritability

If you have recently visited an area with dengue fever cases, and you develop fever along with any of the above warning signs, seek immediate medical attention.

Note: This news report is not a medical advice and people are advised to consult the doctor before taking any treatment.