The Dengue Doom strikes the City Beautiful— Menace Management at Helix Pathlabs

15 Dec 2021 Health Care, Medical

Amidst the battle against dengue that the city has encountered for a while now, new reports as per the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Controlstate (as of December 2021) that Punjab records the second-highest count in India.

While only 116 cases were recorded last year,more than 900 cases in Tricity were reported by November alone.

As per the district medical health records, while a total of 193 had contracted dengue in 2017 till October, with only 14 dengue cases being reported last year.The number this time crossed the 200 mark in the second week of October, 500 mark within a week on October 27, and 800 mark on November 14.This is the case with Panchkula alone. In Chandigarh, the count crossed 425 cases in November.

Mohali witnessed some staggering numbers as November saw a total of 1094 cases reported taking the total number to a whopping 3725.

The cases are continuing to rise in the district. Helix Pathlabs has been closely tracking and combating this lethal disease ever since its detection of the first positive case this year in early July. With an estimate of approximate 350 positive cases detected in the lab alone till now, it is safe to say that the situation is still conducive for mosquitos to breed. Nevertheless, we at Helix Pathlabshave aimed at spreading awareness.

The Dengue Peril – What went Wrong?

Despite constant efforts at public awareness, the outbreak of dengue fever continued to sting due to several shortcomings-

  • The biggest drawback, in this case, would be the condition laid down due to covid protocols and pile of dirt at many places. Especially empty bottles, disposable glass and plastic rubbish scattered in areas and on roof of houses. Plastic waste is most suitable breeding ground for mosquitoes. Because rain water collects in empty bottles, glasses, etc, they become natural breeding ground for mosquito.
  • Many people store large amount of water in homes where mosquito larvae are gathering

With such harmful implications, it would be best to take the matter into your hands and practice preventive measures, and get tested today..

What is the best treatment for dengue fever?

The best treatment would be to see your healthcare provider from time to time. Along with that, treating the body according to the first visible symptoms. The minute you receive a positive test report for dengue, you must not waste any time and discuss the matter with your doctor immediately. Along with that-

  • Take plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated.
  • Ask the prescription for vitamin supplements from your doctor
  • Monitor your blood pressure.
  • Include natural forms of Vitamin C in your diet.
  • A protein-rich diet is a must for dengue patients. 

Helix Heroes thrive Triumphantly

With the ongoing scenario, it is up to us, the frontline healthcare workers who can detect, manage, and hopefully curb this mosquito-borne pathogen. It was only after diagnosing the first positive case of the season in July 2021 that we realized it is going to be a routine ride with lots of potential patients. Considering the given situation, we left no stone unturned to trace the symptoms, follow up with a case study and help the required authorities to further assist in a mission against this rather dangerous disease.

What came as an aid, were some reports thatstrictly from ecological, entomological, and epidemiological parameters prove that we as the inhabitants of Tricity are the living proof of fast-paced or rapid urbanization, and there is a rather significant need to consider curating effective public health approaches.

Fortunately for the Tricity residents, by the time dengue had its grip over Punjab, Haryana, and the surrounding area, we established accurate diagnosis, tracing, and post-diagnosis protocol and management of dengue virus infection. This enabled timely information which further helped medical/government authorities in tracking the cases.

Tricity trusted our gold standard of laboratory diagnosis for dengue virus infection due to better sensitivity rate and higher positive detection of illness. We knew and understood well in advance, in every parameter, mortality or morbidity, that dengue is a critical arbovirosis.

FAQs

  • Can dengue happen twice?

Dengue can strike you umpteen times. The worrisome part is that dengue infection gets deadlier with each subsequent infection.

  • What are the 4 types of dengue fever?

According to World Health Organization– “Dengue is caused by a virus of the Flaviviridae family and there are four distinct, but closely related, serotypes of the virus that cause dengue (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4).”

  • What is the first sign of dengue fever in adults?

There are a series of “first signs” when it comes to dengue fever. The symptoms include rashes, vomiting, pains, aches, and constant nausea.

  • What are the stages of dengue fever?

There are typically three phases-

    • Febrile- Day 1 to Day 5 that is the acute fever stage along with the first signs of dengue. Immediate medical attention is required.
    • Critical– Day 5 to Day 7 where the body temperature and blood pressure drops. Extreme restlessness and fatigue. High chances of internal hemorrhage and low platelets could further lead to circulatory or respiratory failure.
    • Convalescent-Post Day 7 or the recovery phase which takes a few days. Although the patient has a slow pulse rate, the body recuperates through better appetite and immunity.

  • Can dengue be left untreated?

Dengue hemorrhagic fever cannot and should not be left untreated or else it would progress to dengue shock syndrome. This includes restlessness, extreme abdominal pain, vomiting, and fatigue.

  • Who is prone to dengue?

Although children older than 6 years of age are more prone to dengue, everyone should be careful and get themselves tested.

Helix Pathlabs provide rapid test results with 100% specificity for suspected acute dengue illness. Times are tough but trusting our healthcare providers at the initial stage would help in overcoming the lethal consequences of the infection.

Book Your Test Today!

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