After Covid, dengue leading to fatal shock syndrome rips through India; Check early symptoms

Several Indian states such as Punjab, Rajasthan and national capital Delhi are dealing with a dengue fever outbreak this monsoon season. While the government, healthcare, and managementsystems prepare for the worrisome third wave of Covid, Dengue fever rates are rapidly increasing.

A new strain of Dengue fever has been discovered in 11 states across the country, raising serious concerns among health officials.

In several areas across the country, multiple cases of severe fever caused by the new Dengue DENV 2 strain have been documented. DENV 2 or strain D2 is the most severe of the denguevirus's multiple variants (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) and can even result in deadly internal haemorrhage and shock.

Here are the early symptoms and prescribed treatments to stay safe from prevalent Dengue fever.

What is Dengue shock syndrome/ Haemorrhagic Syndrome.?

In India, dengue fever- the most prevalent arthropod borne infection is endemic. Dengue has been on the rise in the country in recent years, with the National Vector Borne Disease ControlProgram reporting over 1.5 lakh cases in 2019.

While the majority of these infections are self-limiting and will go away in a few days, some people will develop critical sickness and may succumb to the disease.

The loss of platelets (thrombocytopenia) is the most common cause of death from Dengue Fever. Platelet deficiency causes fluid to leak from the walls of blood vessels (internalhaemorrhage). The blood loss results in shock, which is known as Dengue Shock Syndrome or Dengue Haemorrhagic Syndrome.

The blood loss results in shock, which is known as Dengue Shock Syndrome or Dengue Haemorrhagic Syndrome.

"Though the fatality rate of Dengue rarely exceeds 2.5 percent, the concerning fact is that there is no method to determine which patient will develop shock. Early diagnosis andseverity prediction can significantly lower mortality and morbidity rates," Dr Abhijit Ray- a renowned physician and the originator of FITTO, stated.

Also Read: Punjab witnesses high dengue cases; monsoon may push up cases till Nov end, say experts

Dengue shock syndrome symptoms

Severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, a significant change in temperature (from fever to hypothermia), hemorrhagic symptoms, or a change in mental status including irritability,confusion, or obtundation are all warning signs.

Restlessness, cold clammy skin, a rapid weak pulse, and a narrowing of the pulse pressure (systolic blood pressure diastolic blood pressure) are all early signs of shock. Patients withdengue fever are advised to return to the hospital if any of these symptoms appear.

Treatment

• Dengue patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and rest.

• Antipyretics can be used to control a patient's temperature. During the feverish phase of dengue fever, children are at risk for febrile seizures.

• Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines should be avoided because they can cause haemorrhage.

• During the febrile phase of illness, keep an eye on your patients' hydration levels. 

• Inform patients and families about the symptoms of dehydration and continue to keep track of their urine production. If patients are unable to drink fluids orally, IV fluids may be required.

• Check the patient's heart rate, capillary refill, pulse pressure, blood pressure, and urine output on a regular basis to determine their hemodynamic condition.