A sudden outbreak of the mosquito-borne dengue virus has paralyzed the national capital over the past two weeks. Government and private hospitals have reported nearly 240 cases so far, with speculation of more people falling prey to the disease. This number seems to be shockingly high, when compared to approximately 13 cases reported in 2012 and 84 in 2011.
Delhi is gearing up to control the virus, which is spread by the Aedes Aegpyti mosquito breeding in stagnant rainwater. Hospitals are also getting better equipped with an adequate quantity of intravenous fluids and saline drips, to address the needs of patients. According to reports, everyday an average of 50 patients with dengue symptoms, have been landing up at the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in central Delhi. Similar is the situation in Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in east Delhi, where 30 people have already been detected with dengue. The number of dengue patients has ascended in private hospitals as well.
Symptoms and Precautionary measures
The three types of dengue fever are- uncomplicated dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Post-monsoon, the weather becomes conducive for breeding of the Aedes mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever usually include headache, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and pain in the eyes, joints and muscles. Since there is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue, increased awareness and early detection is the only way to curb the disease. It is advisable to consume plenty of fluids and take adequate rest. The best way to prevent the dengue epidemic looming over the city is to avoid stagnation of water in public places including your homes.
photo courtesy- thedominican.net
