National capital Delhi has confirmed the first dengue-related death this year. This has now brought the total number of dengue cases this season to 723. The Delhi government has launched a range of measures to combat the spread of the disease in the city.
Read for details.
According to a civic report released on Monday, 382 dengue cases have been reported in Delhi this month. This is out of the overall tally of dengue cases this year.
Govt and Public Response
Last month, the Delhi government launched the ’10 Hafte-10 Baje-10 Minute’ (10 weeks, 10 o’clock, 10 minutes) campaign to eradicate dengue fever in the city.
The Aam Aadmi Party’s official Twitter account also shared numbers showing a continuous
drop in dengue incidence since the party came to power in Delhi six years ago. However, because dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are all associated with a high fever, experts believe that patients are mistakenly thinking they have COVID-19, causing mass dread among Delhi residents.
Residents have questioned the Delhi government and the BJP-led MCD regarding their dengue prevention actions. However, there are also many applauding the city’s considerable fogging and disinfection efforts.
About the Disease
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It is particularly prominent in tropical and sub-tropical settings. According to FIT, the Flaviviridae virus, commonly known as the dengue virus, causes fever.
Dengue viruses are transmitted to humans through female mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. They reproduce in stagnant water accumulated inside and around the house.
Symptoms of Dengue
The World Health Organization categorizes the disease into two: dengue (symptomatic and asymptomatic), and severe dengue. For the former, the symptoms are high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain and nausea. Patients also experience enlarged glands, rashes and pain behind the eyes.
Severe dengue, on the other hand, is the critical stage of the illness. It can last from 3 to 7 days. Its symptoms include severe abdominal discomfort, vomiting on a regular basis, rapid breathing, and bleeding gums. Such patients also suffer from exhaustion, restlessness, and vomit containing blood.
Treatment and Preventive Measures
Dengue fever does not have a specific cure, and thus needs supportive care. Drinking plenty of fluids, giving pain relievers and fever reducers, and keeping an eye on urination are all examples of such treatment. Patients with dengue fever should seek medical help at once.
Combating mosquito vectors is the most effective way to stop the spread of dengue fever.
This can be accomplished by:
1. To prevent mosquito breeding, properly dispose of waste, eliminate artificial water habitats, and apply pesticides to outdoor water storage.
2. Use repellants, mosquito nets, coils, and other methods to avoid being bitten.
3. Educate: raise awareness of control measures and maintain a clean environment.
4. Mosquito surveillance includes keeping an eye on the number of mosquitoes in the area and screening mosquito hotspots.
Read more news by the DU Express team here.
