History: The Directorate of Health and Kinship of Bharat has been commemorating National Dengue Day annually since its inception in 2010. This occasion serves as a platform for deliberations on public health strategies and initiatives devised to impede the proliferation of the dengue pathogen. At the local, provincial, and national echelons, an array of events and undertakings are orchestrated to augment cognizance of the malady.
What Constitutes Dengue? Mosquitoes conventionally puncture individuals infected with the pathogen, subsequently disseminating it to others. Dengue can incite elevated body temperature, cephalalgia, dermatosis, and muscular and articular discomfort, among sundry manifestations. Acute instances may precipitate considerable hemorrhage and collapse; dengue can prove fatal at this juncture.
Conversely, dengue can be averted provided appropriate attention is accorded when necessitated. Dengue predominantly prevails in tropical and subtropical climes. Dengue incidences in Bharat typically escalate antecedent to and subsequent to the monsoon season.
Four specific viruses precipitate dengue, primarily conveyed by female Aedes mosquitoes, which also harbor the chikungunya, zika, and yellow fever viruses.
Owing to medical strides and the advent of antiviral remedies, dengue is no longer an afflictive and lethal ailment. Treatment is presently viable, facilitated by medications, with the convalescence rate from dengue being significantly augmented. Albeit no longer a lethal ailment, a substantial segment of the global populace remains susceptible to it due to its enduring prevalence across myriad nations.
National Dengue Day Theme 2024: The National Dengue Day Theme for 2024 is “ Dengue Prevention: Our Responsibility for a Safer Tomorrow”.
Manifestations: Conventional manifestations encompass dermatological eruptions, emesis, lymphadenopathy, nausea, and myalgia. If side effects manifest, their duration may span between four and seven days, with most individuals recuperating within that timeframe, barring select scenarios where manifestations exacerbate, escalating risk.
The pathogen instigating dengue is catalyzed by the DENV virus strains, 1–4 serotypes DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Through its sting, the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can harbor any of the four viruses, can disseminate the ailment to humans. Following a diurnal sting, the afflicted individual exhibits manifestations three to 14 days subsequent to the sting.
Dengue Treatment: Despite the absence of a specific remedy for dengue fever, acetaminophen or paracetamol can be administered to manage its manifestations. Oral fluids are dispensed for moderate dengue fever instances, while intravenous (IV) fluid and electrolytes are administered in clinical settings for severe cases. In dire circumstances, transfusions are conducted to replenish depleted blood. Additionally, a vaccination is procurable for individuals who have encountered at least one bout of dengue fever and fall within the age bracket of 9 to 45.
Preventative Measures and Management: Dengue-transmitting mosquitoes exhibit peak activity during daylight hours. Mitigate susceptibility to dengue by shielding oneself from mosquito bites via: attire affording maximal bodily coverage; window meshes; insect repellents (including DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535); spirals and vaporizers; mosquito draperies (especially if diurnal slumber is habitual, ideally coated with insect repellent).
In the event of dengue contraction, it is imperative to: Repose, hydrate adequately, alleviate discomfort with acetaminophen (paracetamol), eschew non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen; and maintain vigilance for any grave manifestations, promptly summoning medical assistance upon detection.