The epidemiology of dengue fever (DF) is complex in the Indian subcontinent as all the four serotypes are circulating. Heavy rains across the parts of the country have led to a surge in dengue cases. States such as New Delhi, West Bengal, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh have reported a spike in dengue cases in the past few days. The collection of more standing water increases the number of disease such as Dengue. Cases of vector-borne diseases are usually reported between July and November during the monsoon season, sometimes stretching till mid-December. Last year, India reported a total of 1,64,103 dengue cases and has maintained a fatality rate of less than one per cent since 2008. In the capital city, nearly 140 cases of dengue have been detected so far
How Does Dengue Spread?
The virus spreads when an infected female mosquito (primarily the Aedes aegypti) bites a human. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person who is carrying the virus – pre-symptomatic, symptomatic and asymptomatic.People can start experiencing the symptoms two days before the illness and two days after the fever is gone.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also states that the virus can transmit from pregnant mother to baby. The 2010 Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey found that newborns can suffer from pre-term birth, low birth weight and fetal distress when a mother-to-be contract DENV infection.
Most dengue cases are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms. After an incubation period of four to 10 days (from the mosquito bite), the symptoms can last for between two and seven days. For people who experience symptoms, watch out for the common dengue signs like severe headache, swollen glands, muscle and joint aches, nausea, vomiting, rash and pain behind the eyes. Dengue can get severe after three to seven days from the onset of the disease. The 24-48 hours are considered critical for dengue patients.
Vigilance and surveillance can help reduce instances of dengue and keep you safe.
