Monsoon and mosquitoes go hand-in-hand, Going by a brand new report, dengue is quick spreading within the Indian capital metropolis. The report issued by the Municipal Company of Delhi revealed that greater than 160 dengue instances have been reported within the capital until mid-July in 2023. It’s alarming as it’s the highest for this era since 2018, as per a report by PTI. Many individuals have lots to say about this vector-borne illness, however not all are details. Learn on to seek out out extra about frequent myths round dengue.

To debunk dengue myths, Well being Pictures reached out to Dr Nikhil S Kulkarni, MD Fellowship of American School of Doctor and Infectious Illness specialist, Okay J Somaiya Hospital and Analysis Centre, Mumbai.

What’s dengue?

When it begins raining, many mosquitoes come out and play. Now there’s a sort of mosquito, aedes, that may chew you or your loved ones and provides dengue fever. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water which is why we’re at all times informed to scrub our environment. Dr Kulkarni says 80 % of infections could also be asymptomatic. However there are some signs like sudden onset of excessive fever, headache and physique ache, ache behind the eyes, stomach ache, bleeding from gums or nostril, vomiting, lethargy and confusion.

Myths round dengue

Monsoon occurs to be a beneficial breeding situation for mosquitoes. This results in a rise of their inhabitants. The professional explains that in monsoon, rainwater will get collected at many locations, and aedes mosquitoes breed on this stagnant water. Whereas that is true, there are a lot of myths round dengue.

Delusion 1: Dengue will be simply transmitted from one particular person to a different.

Reality: Dr Kulkarni says that it doesn’t transmit from individual to individual as it’s brought on by the chew of contaminated aedes mosquitoes.

Delusion 2: Solely aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit dengue.

Reality: Though aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the first issue for dengue, different species like aedes albopictus may also transmit the dengue virus.

Delusion 3: Platelet transfusion is required each time you get dengue fever.

Reality: Regular platelet counts are 150000 to 410000, however in dengue, they could drop to (50000 to 150000) stage, by the fourth or fifth day of sickness. Platelet transfusion is completed provided that the platelet stage falls beneath 10000 or there may be any proof of bleeding.

Delusion 4: Platelets will be elevated solely by platelet transfusions.

Reality: Platelets will be elevated naturally too. You’ll be able to strive these methods to boost platelets at house –

• Have papaya leaf extract, which has an enzyme ALOX-12. It naturally stimulates platelet formation, says the professional.
• Right dehydration with ORS or coconut water or pomegranate juice.
• A weight-reduction plan wealthy in folates is required, so eat oranges, kiwis, cranberry, papayas, tomatoes or dragon fruit.
• Meals like entire cereals and asparagus additionally assist.

Delusion 5: You’ll be able to eat with out restriction through the sickness.

Reality: In case you or your beloved has dengue, you will need to observe a sure weight-reduction plan and keep away from some meals. For instance, they can not eat oily meals. Fried or oily meals include quite a lot of fats which could result in increased blood stress, weakening the immune system.

Tricks to stop dengue

There are some things you are able to do to guard your self and your loved ones from dengue.

• It’s time to say goodbye to stagnant water.
• Destroy mosquito habitats by holding locations clear and utilizing insecticide.
• Put on garments to cowl most components of the physique.
• Use mosquito web and repellents.
• Eat meals wealthy in vitamin C and folate.

There is no such thing as a dengue-fighting vaccine or medication that’s efficient, so it’s best to give attention to the preventive measures.