Doctors are facing a challenge in recognizing the symptoms of dengue before it becomes severe during the ongoing outbreak. The early signs of the disease have been misleading this time, with a drop in platelet count occurring faster and a mild but persistent fever leading to sudden hemorrhage in dengue patients. In addition, doctors have noticed that many dengue patients also have a concurrent respiratory illness, which is unusual.
The change in symptoms has resulted in hospitals and doctors being more cautious in screening and treating dengue patients. Hospitals like Peerless and Desun have implemented measures to manage dengue patients effectively. Peerless Hospital is prioritizing patients with a fever for more than five to six days or those with a sliding platelet count. However, these signs have not always been accurate indicators of a severe disease. Desun Hospital has trained their doctors and nurses on the management of dengue fever and the importance of fluid management. They have also implemented safety measures to prevent bleeding symptoms in patients with low platelet counts.
Several hospitals have seen a significant rise in dengue admissions over the past few days. It is advised to get a blood test done on the second day of fever to confirm the presence of dengue. Unusually, even those with a low-grade fever have tested positive for dengue. Patients with persisting high fever and early platelet drop are turning out to be severe cases. Fever can be prolonged due to hyper-immune reaction, and fluid accumulation may lead to stomach pain. Dengue patients are also prone to secondary bacterial infection and fluid accumulation, which necessitates a reduction in fluid intake.
Efficient fluid management is crucial in managing the capillary leak caused by dengue and its associated respiratory tract infection. Early detection of the disease and proper treatment can help prevent severe complications and reduce mortality rates.
Definitions:
– Dengue: A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, causing flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, severe dengue which can be life-threatening.
– Platelet: A component of blood that helps with clotting and preventing bleeding.
– Respiratory illness: A medical condition affecting the respiratory system, including the lungs and airways.
– Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding.
– Intramuscular injections: Injections given into the muscle tissue.
– Capillary leak: Leakage of fluid from the small blood vessels called capillaries.
Sources:
– [Add source information here without URL]
– [Add source information here without URL]
