Fighting Dengue

Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is contracted from the bite of a striped mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person. The mosquito flourishes during rainy seasons but can breed in water filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year-round. The virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. There must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway.

Mosquitoes which spread Dengue live and breed in stagnant water in and around houses, and places where solid waste is dumped. In order to prevent multiplication of mosquitoes it is important to dispose off all containers which may collect water.


Symptoms

1. Headache                                                              
2. Fever
3. Exhaustion
4. Severe muscle and joint pain
5. Swollen glands
6. Rash
7. Bleeding gums
8. Severe pain behind the eyes
9. Red palms and soles

Prevention in better than cure!

1. Throw away stagnant water from old tires, trash cans, and flower pots.
2. Wear long pants and long sleeves.
3. Stay indoors two hours after sunrise and before sunset.
4. Use mosquito repellants (Mospel, coil, mat, sprays etc.), avoiding exposure outdoors at dawn & dusk.
5. Keep patients under mosquito netting until they are no longer contagious.

Mosquito Trap 

1. Cut a plastic bottle in half, keep both parts. 
2. Dissolve the brown sugar in hot water and let it cool down to ~70 deg F. Add the yeast which will help form Carbon dioxide and will attract mosquitoes.
3. Pour contents into the lower portion of the bottle. 
4. Cover the bottle with a dark wrap and insert in the top portion upside down like a funnel. Place it in a corner in your house.
5. In 2 weeks, you will be surprised by the number of mosquitoes killed.

Treatment

1. Rest and fluid intake for adequate hydration is important.
2. As prescribed by a doctor, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and codeine may be given for severe headache and for the joint and muscle pain.
3. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should only be taken under a doctor's supervision. 
4. Juice extracted from crushed Papaya (preferably ‘Red Lady’ papaya) leaves is recommended for adults taking prescribed medicine for the fever. This is said to increase white blood cells and platelets, normalize clotting, and also repair the liver.

What not to do in case Dangue fever is suspected

1. Do not give Aspirin or Brufen for treatment of fever.
2. Avoid giving intravenous therapy before there is evidence of hemorrhage and bleeding.
3. Avoid giving blood transfusion unless indicated.
4. Avoid giving steroids and antibiotics to the infected patient. 

Signs of Recovery

1. Stable pulse, blood pressure and breathing rate 
2. Normal temperature
3. No evidence of external or internal bleeding
4. Return of appetite
5. No vomiting
6. Good urinary output