“With dengue cases on the rise across multiple regions of the nation, it’s crucial to adopt preventive measures to minimize your susceptibility to the infection.”
India is witnessing a notable upswing in dengue cases, particularly in Delhi. The capital reported 283 new cases last week, taking this year’s total beyond 1,000. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) notes a steady weekly increase in cases, contrasting with the initial count of 56 and 24 in the first two weeks.
The recent monsoon floods have exacerbated the situation, creating favorable conditions for disease-carrying mosquito breeding. As floodwaters recede, stagnant pools remain, necessitating heightened mosquito control measures.
Health officials sequenced the dengue virus genome, revealing type 2 dengue in 19 out of 20 cases, the most severe variant. Symptoms typically manifest four to six days post-infection.
Common Dengue Symptoms:
- High fever
- Severe headaches
- Eye pain
- Muscle, bone, and joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Skin rash
Preventing Dengue: Amid increasing cases nationwide, adopting preventive measures is crucial:
- Employ mosquito nets during sleep to ward off bites.
- Apply insect repellents like sprays and creams. Sleep in net-covered rooms.
- Avoid dengue-prone areas.
- Cultivate mosquito-repelling plants (e.g., neem, tulsi) emitting natural gases.
- Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, to minimize exposed skin.”