Dengue cases are constantly rising: Know how to protect yourself

Dengue cases in India: Reports suggest that dengue cases are constantly increasing in several parts of India, majorly in Delhi.As per the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), dengue cases in Delhi reached 105. The cases are constantly increasing at a rapid rate in the state. 243 cases of dengue were reported by 28 July, which was recorded as one of the highest rates of infections in recent years. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Types of dengue: The chances of an early recovery in dengue cases are high when the diagnosis is made early. Dengue is majorly classified into three categories, depending on the severity and symptoms of the infection. These include mild dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Symptoms of dengue: Did you know one in four people who get infected with dengue will get sick? Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. The symptoms ofthe infection depend on its severity and may vary from one individual to another. Some of the common symptoms of dengue include headache, muscle bone or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, pain behind the eyes, rash, and swollen glands. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Severe symptoms of dengue: Severe dengue happens when your blood vessels get damaged. It causes your platelets (clot-forming cells) to drop, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure, shock, and even death. Symptoms of severe dengue include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from gums, blood in urine, bleeding under the skin, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, and restlessness. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Dengue treatment: While there is no specific medicine to treat dengue, you may be given some medicines to treat dengue fever. The best way to treat dengue is to treat its symptoms.Some things you can do to manage the symptoms include keeping yourself hydrated, taking plenty of rest, treating pain with proper medication, and not taking medication without consulting your doctor. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Dengue prevention: The best way to prevent dengue is by eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Empty containers that collect water, cover water storage containers and dispose of discarded items that can hold water. Use mosquito repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use bed nets to minimize mosquito exposure. Keep doors and windows screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoors. Personal and collective actions to reduce mosquito populations and minimize the risk of dengue transmission. Image courtesy: Adobe stock