Dengue fever is known already by the population in the past unlike the recent Swine Flu [Influenza A (H1N1)]. But in the later years it didn't recur so much as of now. Why is it rampant now? It is said to be due to rapid urbanization, population increase, international travel and increased global warming. Find FAQs on it down here:
1) We, doctors, know that now there are three types of this fever: DF, DHF and DSS. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
2) We know that there is no specific treatment or vaccine for preventing this fever. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
3) We know that there is no active and sensible community participation in preventing the fever and instead there is only reporting of fever incidence. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
4) We know that the members of the community rely totally on us, health staff, for its 'cure' and forget that prevention of it rests with them ultimately, as emptying stored water containers etc. is to be done daily like teeth brushing. Any such intervention with such measures is resented as affecting their privacy and rights. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
5) We know that there are 4 types of Dengue virus now and that they are carried by 4 species of Aedes mosquitoes now. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
6) We know that Aedes mosquito can live only near or inside houses of human beings like our dependent pet dogs. And once infected with these viruses, they remain infected through out their lifetime; they also pass on the viruses to their progeny. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
7) We know that the mortality due to this dengue fever is only less than 1% - with hospitalization and treatment. And that by early detection of this fever and early access to proper medical care will lessen this mortality rate. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
8) We know that the fever recurs again and after one or two days; now there may be bleeding from gastrointestinal tract or there may be shock. And treatment here in this condition is only by hospitalization and blood transfusion. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
9) Again we know that the control of these mosquitoes, prevention of their bites and stopping their larval breeding in houses by emptying water containers etc. shall greatly reduce the further spread of Dengue fever and hence prevent deaths due to it. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
10) We thus know that only referral of serious Dengue cases from OPD for proper hospitalized treatment can save the patient from his/ her death. Do public know about it?
Answer: Yes/ No.
If a person choose 'No" for all these questions, we, doctors and health care providing staff are doomed and Dengue fever shall not be controlled and there may be high mortality from its spread. Let us all create all these awareness about Dengue fever among public and make all persons choose 'Yes' for all these questions.
