Authorities put out dengue alert in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: District health authorities have cautioned people against increasing cases of dengue and appealed to take precautionary measures. The doctors have advised to seek treatment in the event of early symptoms. Emphasis should be laid on early detection.

One of the biggest reasons for the spread of dengue cases is the increasing mosquito population. It is spread by aedes aegypti mosquitoes which bite during the day.

Both the elderly and children are vulnerable to dengue. Since the symptoms are similar to viral fever, it takes time to detect dengue. Usually it starts with high fever, head ache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weakness, throat pain and minor cough.

Shooting pain in the back, pain in eyes are symptoms specific for dengue. The platelet count drops drastically which leads to a critical condition.

The patient goes into a serious condition because of huge dip in platelet count which could also lead to bleeding from nose and rectum. Since there is no specific line of treatment for dengue, preventive and precautionary measures are vital to check the spread.

Mosquito eradication, control are key factors for controlling dengue. Utensils, buckets and other container should be properly covered since mosquitoes breed in fresh water. Wells should be chlorinated properly.

People should use mosquito nets, wear pants, full sleeve shirts covering the whole body and apply mosquito repellent cream and lotion.

Even in the event of minor fever one should consume plenty of liquids to keep oneself hydrated. After initial medication, the patient should be taken to the nearest hospital for proper treatment.

The health authorities have appealed to the people to observe dry day every week to help check the spread of dengue, other misquote borne diseases and to check misquote population.

Doctors have advised people to be careful about the suspected symptoms. After a bout of fever, a week's complete rest is required to regain normal health.

The doctors have advised against self-treatment in the event of viral fever symptoms. The surrounding areas of the houses should be cleaned properly to help the authorities to check the spread of such diseases during the monsoon.