Dengue and Chikungunya: Symptoms and Dos and Don'ts : Times of India

NEW DELHI: Every monsoon, there is an increase in the number of people infected bydengue and chikungunya. Both are viral diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. While a number of the symptomsassociated with the two diseases are similar, there exist some key differences.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind about the symptoms of dengue and chikungunya, and the preventive measures that can be taken to avoid infections.

DENGUE -SYMPTOMS

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the primary symptom of dengue is high fever, which occurs with at least two of the following symptoms: severe headache, severe eye pain, joint, muscle or bone pain, rash, mild bleeding from the nose or the gums, small spots caused by bleeding into the skin, and low white cell count.

The CDC advises that medical help be sought immediately if one of the following warning signs manifest themselves as the fever declines 3 to 7 days after the first symptoms appear: severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, red spots or patches on the skin, nasal bleeding, bleeding from the gums, vomiting blood, black, tarry stool, drowsiness, irritability, breathing trouble or pale, cold or clammy skin.

Severe dengue can entail plasma leakage leading to shock, hemorrhage (internal bleeding), and organ impairment. At this stage, the disease is potentially fatal.

CHIKUNGNYA - SYMPTOMS

Chikunguniya symptoms include high fever, severe joint pain, joint swellings, muscle pain, head-aches and rashes. It is mostly non-fatal.

DOs

1) Get plenty of rest, and consume fluids to avoid dehydration if you have the disease.

2) Get tested immediately if any of the symptoms above manifest themselves. If you have a high-grade fever for more than twenty four hours, go see a doctor.

3) Use mosquito nets and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid being bitten.

4) Keep your surroundings clean, and dispose of waste regularly.

DON'Ts

1) Aedes mosquitoes - which transmit both dengue and chikungunya - breed in clean water. So don't leave water in containers, coolers, flower pots and other such recipients exposed to the air. Don't let water stagnate anywhere in or near your home.

2) If you are using mosquito repellents, don't use them on children below two months of age. For children older than two months, use insect repellents containing 10% DEET.

3) Don't apply mosquito repellent on your palms, or near your eyes or mouth. ALWAYS read instructions before using repellents, especially those pertaining to infants, pregnant women, and breast-feeding mothers.

4) Mosquitos are attracted to dark colours, so avoid wearing dark-coloured clothes.

5) Don't wear tight clothes, for mosquitoes find it easier to bite through tight-fitting garments.

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With thanks : Times of India