DHSJ issues advisory to prevent dengue spread

Srinagar, Sep 14: In view of the running Monsoon season and rising number of dengue cases an advisory has been issued by the Directorate of Health Services Jammu for the awareness of the community regarding dengue, its prevention and control.

As per the advisory the slogan is “Know Dengue for no Dengue” and emphasises on the preventive nature of the disease.

Advisory reads that dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquito and has 3 forms.

Dengue Fever is a severe, flu-like illness and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) are more severe forms of disease, which may cause death if left untreated or not treated properly on time.

As per the advisory signs and symptoms include high grade fever, frontal headache, pain behind the eyes which worsens with eye movement, muscle and joint pains, rashes on the body, pain in abdomen, nausea and vomiting. In DHF symptoms in addition include bleeding from gums and nose, blood in vomiting and black motion (blood in stools), small hemorrhagic spots on skin. In DSS other symptoms in addition to dengue fever could be cold clammy limbs, low BP and shock in severe cases.

Regarding prevention of the disease, as per advisory, "we should avoid water stagnation in and around the house, empty water reservoirs regularly like storage utensils, air coolers, plant pots, drums, flower pots and bird baths etc, destroy and dispose off junk items like old tyres, coconut shells, disposable glasses and used cold drink bottles etc, keep water tanks and other water containers tightly covered with lids, use mosquito repellents and anti mosquito creams."

Also on leaving home, "we should not wear clothes that expose arms and legs and if required should use mosquito nets while sleeping. Also we should use netted screens for doors and windows to prevent entry of mosquitoes and avoid sleeping on the terrace to prevent mosquito bites."

Regarding management of dengue, as per advisory, on having symptoms of dengue one should go to the nearby health institution and that the tests and treatment are available free of cost in Govt Health Institutions and one should never go for self medication.

"For first aid, for high grade fever in inaccessible areas and during odd hours one can use tablet Paracetamol and tepid sponging as first aid. Advisory advises against use of painkillers and any other medicines without the consultation of doctors. Most of the Dengue cases are mild and can be treated at home and only 5% of patients need admission. As per advisory, patients should take adequate fluids like coconut water, lassi, fruit juices and ORS etc in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables and adequate rest in case of symptoms of dengue. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided."