Dengue Fever:

Dengue fever is a lethal viral infection transmitted through biting of a particular type of mosquito known as “Aedes Aegypti”. The virus attacks blood cell, spleen, liver and results in a low white blood cell count and reduces the number of platelets (blood clotting components) in the body. Severe headache, high fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, body ache, loss of appetite, cough, sore throat are some of the symptoms of dengue fever. This fever usually lasts for 2 weeks.

Once diagnosed with this fever, careful steps should be taken as this fever can also result in death of the patient. High fever should be controlled by consuming paracetamol, avoiding the use of antibiotics as they would result in further decreasing the number of white blood cells and platelets in the patient’s body.

Precaution is better than cure, should be our motto for a healthier environment. Dengue is a fever that kills. It is transferred through stagnant water as well, so precautionary measures should be taken regarding this. Regular blood tests should be done in order to monitor the count of platelets and blood cells. Mosquito sprays should be done in dengue affected areas.

Bentham Science Publishers’ journal “Anti-Infective Agents” publishes original research, expert reviews, drug clinical trial studies and guest edited issues on all the latest and outstanding developments on the medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology and use of anti-infective and anti-parasitic agents. This Bentham Journal is a useful guide for all infectious disease researchers in industry, academia and the health services. For more information, you can check http://www.benthamscience.com/rptelc/index.htm

Dengue Fever: The Silent Killer:

Dengue Fever is a viral infectious disease which is transmitted by a special type of mosquito known as “Aedes Aegypti.” This type of virus attacks blood cell, spleen, liver and results into low white blood cell count and reduces blood clotting components known as Platelets.

The most common symptoms of dengue fever include loss of appetite, body ache, fatigue, high fever with headache, abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, dry cough and slightly sore throat.

The worst case of Dengue was observed in October, 2013 in India, where 433 cases of Dengue were confirmed in the first three days of October. K.K Agarwal, a senior physician at Moolchand Hospital expressed his view on this calamatic situation in the following words: “With a wet October predicted, the capital is facing its worst dengue outbreak in over a decade.”

The dengue fever lasts for around 10-15 days. Several safety measures should be taken in this case. Paracetamol should be given to the dengue affected patients in order to control high fever. The use of antibiotic should be avoided because it further decreases the platelets and blood cell count. To prevent mosquito bites, wear long pants and long sleeves. Mosquito Repellant Sprays should be used in areas where dengue is endemic. Regular blood tests should be conducted to monitor the platelet and blood cell count. If the high fever lasts for long without any specific source of infection, the patient should be immediately taken to the hospital.

Bentham Science Publishers’ journal “Anti-Infective Agents” publishes original research, expert reviews, drug clinical trial studies and guest edited issues on all the latest and outstanding developments on the medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology and use of anti-infective and anti-parasitic agents. This Bentham Journal is a useful guide for all infectious disease researchers in industry, academia and the health services. For more information, you can check http://www.benthamscience.com/rptelc/index.htm