Dengue Alert !

After Dengue outbreak in Delhi during Common Wealth Games 2010, the Dengue fever has reached Karachi with more than 216 people tested positive for the fever. Of the 287 patients admitted to different government and private hospitals in the city since Sept 21, 216 (75 per cent) have been confirmed to have contracted dengue fever.

What is dengue fever? What is dengue hemorrhagic fever?
Dengue fever is a flu-like illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.


Symptoms of Dengue fever
•High fever
•Severe headache
•Retro-orbital pain - pain behind the eye
•Severe joint pains
•Muscle pains
•Muscle aches
•General weakness
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Rash
•Fever
•Weakness
•Prostration
•Pain behind the eyes
•Severe muscle pain
•Slowed heart rate

How is dengue spread?
Dengue is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquito transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else.

How is dengue diagnosed?
Dengue is diagnosed by a blood test.

What is the treatment for dengue ?
There is no specific treatment for dengue. Persons with dengue fever should rest and drink plenty of fluids. They should be kept away from mosquitoes for the protection of others. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is treated by replacing lost fluids. Some patients need transfusions to control bleeding

How can dengue be prevented?

• There is no vaccine to prevent dengue.
• Use mosquito repellents on skin and clothing.
• When outdoors during times that mosquitoes are biting, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.
• Avoid heavily populated residential areas.
• When indoors, stay in air-conditioned or screened areas. Use bednets if sleeping areas are not screened or air-conditioned.