Dengue fever is endemic in Pakistan, with reports of seasonal outbreaks and the spread of distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-3) in different parts of the nation. The first reported outbreak of dengue fever in Pakistan occurred in 1994; however, the annual epidemic trend and a rapid increase in incidence began in Karachi in November 2005. In 2019, there was a considerable increase in the number of cases.

In 2021, the KPK and Tribal Districts reported 7641 confirmed cases of dengue fever. There were 9,676 confirmed dengue fever cases in Punjab, with 16 deaths. In AJK, 1,689 confirmed cases of dengue fever were reported, with one death, while 12,986 confirmed cases of dengue fever were reported from eight major hospitals in Islamabad, with 22 deaths. In Sindh, there have been a total of 12,053 confirmed cases of dengue fever, including 33 deaths. In Baluchistan, 3,075 confirmed cases of dengue fever were reported, with three deaths. Aside from eradicating mosquitos, researchers are working on a virus-specific treatment. It’s considered a tropical sickness that’s gone unnoticed.

Three to fourteen days after infection, symptoms usually appear. A high temperature, headache, vomiting, muscular and joint problems, and a distinctive skin rash are all possible symptoms. It usually takes two to seven days to recover. In a tiny percentage of cases, the disease progresses to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes bleeding, low blood platelet counts, and blood plasma leakage, or to dengue shock syndrome, which causes dangerously low blood pressure. 

Typically, people infected with the dengue virus are asymptomatic (80%) or have only mild symptoms such as an uncomplicated fever. Others have more severe illnesses (5%), and in a small proportion, it is life-threatening. The incubation period (time between exposure and onset of symptoms) ranges from 3 to 14 days, but most often it is 4 to 7 days.

Children typically have symptoms that are similar to the common cold and gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea), and they are at a higher risk of severe complications, even if the initial symptoms are modest but involve a high fever.

Dengue fever vaccine has been licensed and is available commercially in several countries. As of 2018, the vaccination is only advised for people who have already been affected or for groups with a high rate of prior infection by age nine. Other ways to avoid mosquito bites include minimizing mosquito habitat and limiting bite exposure. This can be accomplished by removing or covering standing water and wearing clothing that covers a large portion of the body.

To help you recover from dengue fever, eat foods high in protein and iron (meat, eggs, and liver, for example). These aid in the prevention of anaemia and the strengthening of the immune system. A well-nourished body is better able to fight off a dengue infection. As a result, it’s critical to eat often, rest, and drink at least 3L (12 cups) of fluid every day. Foods that may help against dengue include Lean meats such as chicken, lean red meat and fish, liver, milk and dairy products, eggs, beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas and water, coconut water, natural fruit juices. 

NABEEHA KALEEM,

Lahore.