Dengue virus not fatal: experts

KARACHI:

There is no anti-viral drug available for the treatment of patients affected by dengue fever. It is, however, wrong to suggest that dengue is a fatal disease, said experts.

These views were expressed by Dr Faisal Mahmood, assistant professor at the Department of Medicine and Dr Erum Khan, associate professor at the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at the Aga Khan University Hospital, at a seminar on Wednesday.

“Dengue is not as deadly as it is portrayed to be,” said Dr Mahmood. “It just disturbs your routine life.” He explained that dengue fever was an acute, flu-like illness that affected all age-groups, but seldom caused death.



Speaking of the symptoms manifested by the virus, Dr Mahmood reported that dengue should be suspected when a high fever (40°C/104°F) is accompanied by severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, swollen glands or rash, shortness of breath, any bleeding, lethargy or restlessness and decrease in urine.

The symptoms usually last for about two to seven days, after an incubation period of four to 10 days following the bite from an infected mosquito. “It is important that patients are kept well hydrated,” advised Dr Mahmood. “Hardly anyone needs platelets unless they are bleeding,” he said, adding that it was a misconception that platelets created major problems during the illness.

In the absence of an anti-viral or definite cure, prevention can be the only mode of action, said Dr Mahmood. “Prevention is only possible through a collective effort by all members of the community.”

Dr Khan explained that the virus dated as far back as the Chin Dynasty - 265AD to 420AD “At that time, it was called water poison.” She said that a large epidemic had spread in the region owing to the shipping industry. Tracing the history of dengue in Pakistan, she said that the first case of dengue was reported in 1991.

Dr Khan said that weather and climate had a significant impact on the prevalence of the virus. She lamented, however, that without a complete surveillance system, it was hard to point out the high risk areas and plan the mode of action accordingly. “Unfortunately, we just count the number of patients and leave many other factors that directly or indirectly cause dengue. There should be regular surveillance instead of just going for numbers.” Dr Khan stressed that protective measures should be taken for all those who stay out doors for longer periods, adding that the government should try to establish a proper surveillance system to control the dengue upsurge.

Commenting on the seasonal pattern of the viral infection, the doctors said that the transmission of these viral illnesses is largely dependent upon mosquito bites.

The doctors agreed that the Aedes aegypti mosquito was commonly found in urban areas. It was easy to speculate that fast urbanisation and dense population had facilitated the progress of the outbreak, they added.

Proper disposal of household waste is of utmost importance, said the experts, adding that water in containers should be stored properly with covering lids and water in flower vases and fridge drains should be changed at least on a weekly basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2013.