Sindh reports 20,200 dengue cases this year - here's what you need to know

How common are dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever? 

Sindh province in Pakistan reported more than 20,200 cases of dengue fever from January 1 to September 30, 2017, according to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). This number far surpasses the province’s total dengue cases reported in 2016, which was 5,787. In 2015, Sindh province reported 10,872 cases of dengue fever compared to 8,893 in 2014.

Dengue is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes

Dengue fever is a viral infection that can be spread by mosquitoes. The symptoms of the virus include high fever and joint pain. The virus can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever in some patients which is characterized by bleeding, low blood pressure and vomiting. Dengue is not usually fatal but it may result in death if not treated promptly. It can lead to hospitalization, severe illness and even death among children. People who are more vulnerable are those with pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or other lung diseases. They are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening complications due to co-infection with pneumonia or sepsis (blood poisoning). So we have been alerted about the possible dangers of these illnesses that many people might not realize exist, including Dengue Fever.

Symptoms of dengue include fever, headaches, and muscle pain

Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes and typically causes flu-like symptoms. It can be fatal if untreated but is usually treated as a mild illness. The World Health Organization estimates that 2.5 billion people live in areas where there is a risk of contracting the virus, which has been reported in about 100 countries. Dengue fever is transmitted by three types of mosquito: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Aedes polynesiensis. Countries reporting Zika are also reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases. Worldwide, some 3.2 billion people live in an area at risk for the disease. Some scientists suspect climate change may be one reason for an increase in outbreaks. We cannot rule out that part of the increased incidence we are seeing could potentially be attributed to changing environmental factors such as temperature, said Ester Garcia Barraquer, head of vector control at Ecuador’s National Institute for Public Health (INSP).

There is no specific treatment for dengue, but symptoms can be treated with pain relievers and rest

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that often causes headaches, fever and joint pain. Dengue usually lasts two weeks with symptoms subsiding after a couple of days. There is no specific treatment for dengue, but symptoms can be treated with pain relievers and rest. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends acetaminophen or paracetamol for fever and ibuprofen or aspirin for aches. For people who have a higher risk of severe disease, WHO advises them to take intravenous fluids as well. 

Maintaining personal protection by using insect repellent on clothes and skin; sleeping under bed nets; and emptying, cleaning or covering containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots and tyres will help prevent bites from the Aedes mosquitoes. Covering up during the day also helps prevent bites because these insects are most active in the morning and evening.

People who are infected with dengue should stay in mosquito-free areas and avoid mosquito bites

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Dengue fever. The best way to avoid getting infected with the virus is by avoiding mosquito bites by staying in mosquito-free areas and using insect repellents such as DEET (N,N-diethyl meta toluamide). People who are infected with the virus should stay in mosquito-free areas and avoid mosquito bites. Regardless of your age, if you experience symptoms that include a high fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit or lasting more than three days; pain behind your eyes; a headache; an upset stomach; vomiting or diarrhea; a rash that does not fade when you press it with a finger) seek medical attention. 

We wish Sindh luck on reducing the number of cases!

Sindh has reported 20,200 cases of dengue so far this year

Dengue fever is a contagious tropical disease that affects mostly children and older adults. Dengue is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito and can be deadly if not treated quickly. Cases have been reported in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana and other areas throughout Sindh province.

The symptoms of dengue fever include fever; severe headaches; pain behind the eyes; muscle and joint pain; sore throat; nausea or vomiting; rash (mostly on hands); general discomfort/ill feeling. There are four types of dengue virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Most people who get the virus will either recover from it within two weeks or show no signs at all. If a person shows signs of being infected with one type of the virus and then gets infected with another type later on during their infection period, it could lead to serious illness.