Dengue is the most talked-about topic in the country right now. Many people are affected by dengue every day. According to the report on Tuesday, September 10, the number of people affected by dengue fever in the last 24 hours has reached 16,819 this year. Meanwhile, five more people have died. As a result, the number of deaths due to mosquito-borne diseases has increased to 102 this year. Five hundred thirty-four people were admitted to hospitals. Among the victims, 199 are from the two city corporation areas of Dhaka. Additionally, 90 patients in Dhaka Division, 113 in Chittagong Division, 59 in Khulna, 17 in Mymensingh, and 37 in Barisal have been hospitalized.
From January 1 to September 10 this year, a total of 16,819 people have been admitted to hospitals due to dengue infection. Of these, 66.1 percent are men and 33.9 percent are women. From January 1 to September 10, 52 percent of the deaths were women and 48 percent were men.
The main symptom of dengue fever is fever. Like other viral fevers, dengue fever does not last more than seven days. Initially, the fever may subside after six days of continuous high temperature. It may also happen that after two days of fever, there is a day without fever, followed by two more days of fever before it finally resolves. Dengue fever is characterized by severe pain, often described as more intense than that of breaking a bone. Patients may also feel pain behind the eyes. Bleeding can occur in the skin, mouth, esophagus, or eyes. It is common for women to experience menstrual irregularities, such as menstruating more than once in the same month. The typical dengue rash appears on the sixth day of fever. At this point, the fever may subside. You don't need to search for it; it will be visible. Additionally, if you press on the body at the onset of fever, you may notice fingerprints.
Phases of Dengue: Febrile Phase: This consists of fever and chills. Afebrile Phase: During this critical phase, fever subsides but requires caution. It lasts for two days and can lead to complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Convalescent Phase: While most patients recover, some may suffer from severe fatigue and depression.
Types of Dengue: Classical Dengue Fever: This form typically resolves without complications, similar to other viral fevers. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: This more severe form includes additional complications due to blood vessel leakage. If the platelet count is less than 100,000 with fever and the hematocrit shows a 20% variation, it indicates dengue hemorrhagic fever. There are four grades: Grade 1: No evidence of hemorrhage except for a positive tourniquet test. Grade 2: Visible bleeding is present. Grade 3: Signs of Grade 1 or 2, with decreased blood pressure and increased pulse. Grade 4: Severe cases where blood pressure and pulse cannot be recorded.
No tests are required for the first three days of fever unless it is severe. Common tests include TC, DC, hemoglobin, ESR, and SGPT. If the total count falls below 3000, dengue is highly likely. NS1 Antigen Test: Effective during the first week of fever. Antibody Test: Not reliable before seven days. Platelet Count and Hematocrit: Necessary for diagnosing and monitoring hemorrhagic fever.
Dengue patients often experience loss of appetite and vomiting. The following foods can be beneficial: Chicken Vegetable Soup: Contains essential vitamins and helps maintain fluid balance. Sour Yogurt:Aids digestion and boosts nutrient absorption. Papaya Juice: Rich in vitamins and should be consumed daily. Rice Starch: Provides necessary vitamins and helps maintain fluid balance. Grapefruit Juice: Offers vitamins A, B, and C. Pomegranate Juice: Contains iron, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Normal Saline: Helps replenish electrolytes. Fresh Coconut Water: Good source of electrolytes.
Patients should avoid spicy and fried foods, as they require more water for digestion, which can exacerbate dehydration.
To combat dengue, the following measures should be taken: Use indoor sprays to kill mosquitoes. Wear long-sleeved clothing and socks. Sleep under mosquito nets during the day. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water in discarded items, tires, and water tanks.
Finally, dengue is a significant threat in Bangladesh. Last year, many people died from dengue, and in 2023, 321,179 people were infected. According to health authorities, 868 people died of dengue from 2000 to 2022, while 1,705 died in 2023 alone, almost double the total deaths of the previous two decades.
Dengue fever is caused by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. Rainfall, waterlogging, and high humidity facilitate mosquito propagation. To reduce risk, we must destroy mosquito breeding grounds and implement measures to control flying mosquitoes. Maintaining cleanliness in homes and surroundings is essential, particularly during monsoon season, when many diseases proliferate. However, most diseases can be effectively treated with proper diagnosis and care. Prevention is possible through clean water, food, and sanitary conditions. The writer is Founder Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society
