States Grapple With Dengue Spike as Rains Settle In

Monsoon has brought relief from the heat, but dengue cases are rising in several states.

Relief from the monsoon's coolness is overshadowed by a surge in dengue cases across several states, including in Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra ().

Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes thrive in warm and humid environments, causing the disease that is endemic to more than 100 countries.

Most Common Monsoon Diseases
It is time to enjoy the cool weather with the advent of the rains. Along with fun, one should also be mindful of the diseases that are common in this season.

‘Did You Know?
Approximately 40% of the world's population, about 3 billion people, live in areas at risk of dengue transmission. #monsoon #dengue #heat’

"Children have a higher risk of getting dengue fever with varied presentations than in earlier years. The classical presentation would be a brief period of febrile illness with vomiting and pain in the abdomen, decreased appetite, and generalized myalgia. But during this season even children with atypical upper respiratory infections and Gastroenteritis are also positive for dengue," Santosh Kumar, Senior Consultant, and Lead - Paediatrics & Neonatology, Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, Bengaluru, told IANS.

Karnataka reported 5,374 cases and five deaths from dengue; Telangana 882 cases, while Andhra Pradesh reported cases of both dengue and malaria, Odisha 288, Ernakulam in Kerala has seen 400 cases.

Symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash are all early indications of dengue.

Top 15 Foods to Strengthen your Child's Immunity during Monsoon
child’s immunity, foods to increase immunity, immune boosters, monsoon season

Monsoon Relief Shadowed by Dengue

Dengue fever is usually a community outbreak and early diagnosis is crucial, the experts said, noting that while majorly it is self-limiting, in some cases, it can progress to severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, mucosal bleeding, and signs of circulatory failure may indicate a more severe case of dengue.

Top 8 Herbs to Keep You Fit During Monsoon
The monsoon brings happiness, and also ailments. Here are some herbs which help boost the immune system and fight against infections to keep fit and healthy.

"Early diagnosis allows for timely administration of medications to alleviate these symptoms, improving the patient's comfort and quality of life during the illness," Aravinda S N, Lead Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, told IANS.

"Early diagnosis not only benefits the individual patient but also plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of dengue virus to others. Identifying and isolating infected individuals early in the course of the illness can help prevent further transmission of the virus to mosquitoes, breaking the cycle of dengue transmission in the community," he added.

Monsoon Brings Mixed Blessings: Relief from Heat, Surge in Disease Risks
Monsoon relief from summer heat comes with increased risks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, prompting health departments to implement preventive measures.

The doctors called for maintaining adequate hydration levels due to fluid loss due to fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

The experts also advised people to take protective precautions like avoiding standing water, where mosquitoes can breed, and using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing.

Reference:

India Meteorological Department - (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/onset.php)

Source-IANS