Avoiding the dangers of dengue

Manila, Philippines -  While the rainy season brings respite from the heat, it’s also the time when deadly water-borne diseases are at their peak. Topping the list is dengue, a mosquito-borne infection found in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide. Dengue’s transmission has increased predominantly in urban and semi-urban areas and has become a major international public health concern, putting as many as 2.5 billion people worldwide at risk.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector of dengue. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. After virus incubation for four to 10 days, an infected mosquito is capable of transmitting the virus for the rest of its life. 

However deadly dengue may be, it can be prevented. That’s why MediCard joins hands with the Department of Health (DOH) in helping spread awareness about the disease. 

It’s crucial to be mindful of the manifestations of dengue, which include: mild fever to unbearable high fever with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, and rashes. 

When caring for dengue patients, MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya says, “Parents need to learn that seeking early medical care for their children may prevent serious illness or death. Thus, they need to recognize the symptoms of dengue.”

Particular symptoms to watch out for include a high fever lasting two to seven days that may be accompanied by anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, and subsequent evidence of bleeding (persistent red spots on the skin or in the nose, bleeding gums, “coffee-ground” vomit or dark stools). Most importantly, parents must be able to recognize early signs of shock — the child remains ill despite a fall in temperature and develops cold, clammy skin, restlessness or drowsiness.

In case a patient goes under shock, the immediate administration of intravenous fluid to expand plasma volume is essential. Children in particular may go in and out of shock during a 48-hour period and close observation round-the-clock by qualified nursing staff is crucial until there is reasonable certainty that the danger has passed.  

In addition, thirst and dehydration can be caused by high fever, anorexia, and vomiting, which is why fluid intake by mouth should be sufficient. An electrolyte replacement solution or fruit juice is preferable over plain water. Moreover, oral rehydration solution for the treatment of diarrhea is recommended. 

Before a patient is discharged though, Dr. Montoya says the following criteria need to be satisfied: absence of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of antifever therapy; return of appetite; visible clinical improvement; good urine output; stable haematocrit; no respiratory distress from pleural effusion or ascites and an increasing platelet count of more than 100,000 per mm.

To know more about MediCard and how it can be your reliable partner in enjoying quality healthcare, visit www.medicardphils.com or visit the MediCard head office at 8/F World Center Building HV Dela Costa St., Makati City. You may also call 894-5720, 884-9999 or e-mail inquiry@medicardphils.com.