Dengue has affected more than 3,791 people across Odisha this year and claimed at least five lives, although none in the municipal areas of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Public health experts say that increased awareness about the disease holds the key to preventing it. The Telegraph spoke to specialists in infectious diseases, paediatricians, pathologists, entomologists and civic authorities to draw up a dengue primer
SYMPTOMS:
High fever, headache, body ache and pain behind the eye sockets. Sometimes, rashes appear on the body. Generally temperature is 103 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit on the first two days after the onset of fever and is difficult to bring down even with paracetamol. The fever slowly
eases over the next two days.
WHAT TO DO:
The first thing to do if you have fever is see a doctor. The NS1 test, which looks for antigens, should ideally be done within the first three days of fever. The other test is IgM, which detects antibodies in blood. This test can be done after five days from the onset of fever.
WHO’S AT RISK:
Children have less blood volume than adults, which is why their blood parameters become unstable quicker. If diarrhoea sets in, they tend to get dehydrated. So, don’t delay seeking medical advice.
nPregnant women and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes need to be extra careful because they are more prone than others to being infected by the virus.
HOW TO BE SAFE:
Doctors and entomologists recommend using mosquito repellents and wearing clothes that cover most of the body.
Keep surroundings clean and ensure there is no accumulation of water in the house.
If anyone is recuperating from dengue at home, a mosquito that bites the patient can spread the virus. A mosquito net is, therefore, a key preventive accessory.
CIVIC AWARENESS:
If you see garbage hasn’t been cleared or water has accumulated at a construction site or elsewhere, contact the civic body. For areas under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, the control room numbers are 0674-2430038. For areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, the control room number is 0671-2332975.
