Across the country, there have been increasing numbers of dengue cases. Mr JP Nadda, the Union Health Minister, chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday in order to review the preparedness of this infection in India. He pointed out that focus should be put on states and regions where are frequently reported outbreaks and highest burden areas. Besides, he urged that practical results be achieved through concerted effort with other countries.
In most cases, symptoms of these viruses are familiar with flu like ones but recently much attention is being given to its impact on brain.
Dengue fever is caused by one of four viruses (DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3 and DENV 4) called dengue viruses though not exactly the same they are related if you’ve had one kind of virus this doesn’t mean that you won’t get others after exposure to dengue virus a person may get the disease again and again it is transmitted by carrier mosquitoes which is an Aedes mosquito infected with dengue virus.
This leads to a significant increase in endemic viral infections as the rainy season enhances mosquito breeding. Monsoon rains create stagnant water and high humidity which are conducive environments for Aedes mosquitoes breeding leading to increased cases of dengue fever. Furthermore, when Dengue crosses blood-brain barrier causing inflammation or infection in spinal cord or brain this condition is referred to as neurological complications. In such cases common signs include meningitis, encephalitis or myelitis.
Neurological complications associated with dengue
Seizures, headaches etc., severe dengue fever can result into altered mental status up to coma; Virus directly affects brain cells because it has neurotropic properties thus causing inflammation and destruction; further exacerbation occurs due immune response induced by disease state thereby worsening neurological aspects and increasing their severity.
Also other parts of human body system can be affected by this organism as a virus. In the nervous system, it presents as brain fever. Some other symptoms that may be observed by an individual include low platelet count, confusion, difficulty in speaking, stroke or stroke like syndrome and bleeding into the brain.
Dengue Fever: Early Signs and Precautions to Stay Safe
Low platelets are known to cause bleeding in many areas of the body including brain; this is when a patient has low platelets and diagnosed dengue positive with little recovery especially affecting central nervous system.
Therefore it is important to detect these infections early hence helping in controlling the infection and avoiding neurological consequences of dengue. This means that healthcare systems should be very keen concerning any indication on presence of neurological involvement among patients who suffer from dengue fever particularly during its peak transmission periods.
Prevent dengue fever
Prevention plays a key role in fighting against dengue especially during monsoon season when cases increase greatly. This calls for the control of mosquitos which spread diseases through their bites. Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes so please check your home even nearby places regularly particularly during rains dumping if any buckets, coolers or containers that hold stagnant water.
In addition there should be personal protection measures like applying mosquito repellents or wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothes.
Finally public awareness tends to reduce negative impacts of dengue on neurological health.
(Author – Dr Praveen Gupta Chief Director & Head Department of Neurology Fortis Hospital)
