Panic among residents of Bhopal due to rapid surge in Dengue cases

New Delhi /Bhopal: A rapid surge in dengue cases is leading to panic among residents of Bhopal, as private and government hospitals are reporting at least four to five cases of dengue per day per hospital, of late informed Dr. Naresh Purohit, Advisor – National Vector Borne Disease Control Program.

“Local medics are seeing 500-600 fever patients in the OP (outpatient ward) and four to five dengue cases on a daily basis” averred the renowned Infectious Disease Expert.
Explaining the common symptoms, noted Epidemiologist Dr Purohit averred, “High fever typically lasts two to seven days, with severe headache, often behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, skin rash (two-five days after the onset of fever), mild bleeding in nose or gum, and abdominal pain are the symptoms of dengue infection. There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care.”

Principal Investigator for National Integrated Disease Surveillance Control Programme Dr Purohit said that the cases spiked over the past three weeks and along with the rising cases, the severity of the infection was a major concern in 20-30 per cent of patients.

“The number of hospitalisations is increasing. City doctors are seeing a lot of young patients who have low platelet count and liver infections. At the same time, hospitalisation duration and recovery period has also been prolonged to more than a week in some patients, which is usually three-four days. “There is a need to be extra careful as the festive season is approaching, during which viral inf

ections also see a surge due to huge crowds, which affects the immunity,” warned Dr Purohit

Medics have advised people with comorbidities of heart, kidney, diabetes and vitamin deficiency to be more careful and seek treatment at an early stage.

Debunking the myth around dengue, renowned medic said, “There is no mystery virus causing cough, cold and fever, as suspected, and there is no new variant of dengue in circulation. We need to be aware and have the correct information on such serious issues. In case of dengue in children, he advised that since most cases are mild, parents should control fever with paracetamol, maintain good liquid intake, avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, etc. Be thorough with warning signs and hospitalise the child as needed.”

Symptoms of Dengue:

1. High fever (typically lasting 2-7 days)

2. Severe headache, often behind the eyes

3. Joint and muscle pain

4. Fatigue and weakness

5. Nausea and vomiting

6. Skin rash (usually appears 2-5 days after the onset of fever)

7. Mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeding)

8. Abdominal pain

Precautions:

1. Mosquito control

2. Use insect repellents

3. Wear protective clothing

4. Avoid mosquito bites

Treatment:

1. Supportive care: Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care.

2. Hospitalisation: Severe cases may require hospitalization for close monitoring, intravenous fluid replacement, and supportive measures. In rare cases, dengue fever can progress to a severe form called dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening and may require intensive medical care.

---

*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)

Dr. Purohit is also Advisor-National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme