10,000 Dengue Cases Have Been Reported So Far In Pakistan In 2019; Here’s How You Can Protect Yourself

According to Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health, Dr. Zafar Mirza, 10,013 dengue cases have so far been reported in Pakistan. He has warned there will be increase in these cases in the next 10 days.

With dengue virus creating havoc in Pakistan, you have to take certain measures to protect yourself.

Look for these symptoms

People infected by dengue experience flu-like symptoms within 3-7 days of the bite. The symptoms of dengue usually include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash

In case of severe dengue, the patient experiences

•  Decrease in fever
•  Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Fatigue
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
•  Trouble breathing

If you have these symptoms, it is time to pay your doctor a visit ASAP!

Prevention

Since dengue is caused by mosquitoes, it is essential to take measures to avoid it. The most favorable place for mosquitoes to breed is stagnated water.

Following places are susceptible to breeding for the vector.

• Water containers that are not regularly used
• Tires, pots, uncovered utensils
• Room Coolers
• Leaks in washroom and kitchen

How can you protect yourself?

• Clean out the stagnated water and any such place where water may accumulate.
• Use mosquito repellents while stepping out of the house. Mosquito repellent can also be applied on clothes.
• The virus is active during the day so avoid going to places with long term stagnated water in daylight.
• Sleep under mosquito nets which have also been sprayed by mosquito repellent.

Treatment

The body usually gets rid of the infection on its own provided the immune system is not compromised by the virus.

The virus can be treated with rest and plenty of fluid intake to battle the effects of dehydration. Doctors often prescribe medicines for fever and vomiting.

If it is a severe case, it must be treated with IV drips (intravenous drips) to curb the effects of dehydration.

Read: 5 Must Do Things To Prepare For The Upcoming Heat Wave In Pakistan

Blood transfusion may also be required if the patient has excessive bleeding through the nose or gums.

Further…

• Drink sufficient water to battle dehydration.

• Take orange juice. It has antioxidants and vitamins which curb the secondary effects of the disease.

• Papaya leaf juice has been recognized as a natural medicine for dengue. It increases the platelet count, improving the immune system.

• Chew Basil and Neem leaves. They both have antioxidants and help boost the immune system.

What the government is doing?

Dr. Zafar Mirza said the health department was disinfecting the most affected areas while the federal government was coordinating with provincial governments to curb further spread and provide health services to the patients.