Dengue in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Understanding the Disease, Symptoms, and Remedies
Dengue fever is a significant health concern in Dhaka, Bangladesh, particularly during the monsoon season. It is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes and can lead to severe complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly. In this blog, we will delve into the details of dengue, its symptoms, preventive measures, and highlight how Upasham Health Point in Dhaka provides convenient home checkup services to help combat the spread of this disease.
Understanding Dengue: Dengue is caused by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti species. These mosquitoes are commonly found in urban areas and breed in stagnant water sources, such as open containers, discarded tires, and water-filled flower pots. Dhaka’s densely populated cityscape and monsoon rains provide suitable conditions for mosquito breeding, making dengue a significant public health concern.
Recognizing the Symptoms:
High fever: Dengue is often accompanied by a sudden high fever that lasts for several days.
Severe headache: Intense headaches, typically behind the eyes, are a common symptom.
Pain behind the eyes: The person may experience pain, particularly when moving their eyes.
Joint and muscle pain: Severe joint and muscle pain, often described as aching or crippling, is a characteristic symptom.
Skin rash: A rash may develop, usually appearing two to five days after the onset of fever.
Nausea and vomiting: Dengue can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Fatigue: The person may feel extreme tiredness and fatigue.
Pain behind the eyes: The person may experience pain, particularly when moving their eyes.
Joint and muscle pain: Severe joint and muscle pain, often described as aching or crippling, is a characteristic symptom.
Skin rash: A rash may develop, usually appearing two to five days after the onset of fever.
Nausea and vomiting: Dengue can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Fatigue: The person may feel extreme tiredness and fatigue.
Severe Dengue Symptoms:
In some cases, dengue can progress to severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever, which requires immediate medical attention. Signs of severe dengue include:
● Severe abdominal pain.
● Persistent vomiting.
● Bleeding from the gums or nose.
● Blood in urine, stools, or vomit.
● Rapid breathing.
● Cold or clammy skin.
● Restlessness or irritability.
In some cases, dengue can progress to severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever, which requires immediate medical attention. Signs of severe dengue include:
● Severe abdominal pain.
● Persistent vomiting.
● Bleeding from the gums or nose.
● Blood in urine, stools, or vomit.
● Rapid breathing.
● Cold or clammy skin.
● Restlessness or irritability.
Prevention and Remedies
Mosquito control: Eliminate stagnant water sources and use mosquito repellents to reduce mosquito breeding.
Protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and use mosquito nets to minimize exposure to mosquitoes.
Personal protection: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin.
Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to support recovery from dengue fever.
Rest and pain relief: Get plenty of rest and use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to alleviate symptoms. Avoid aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and use mosquito nets to minimize exposure to mosquitoes.
Personal protection: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin.
Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to support recovery from dengue fever.
Rest and pain relief: Get plenty of rest and use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to alleviate symptoms. Avoid aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can increase the risk of bleeding.