DENGUE A GROWING MENACE

Identifying and Coping With Dengue

Dengue is commonly misdiagnosed because of its flu-like symptoms.  But according to WHO, you should suspect dengue whenever a fever is accompanied by skin rashes, pain behind the eyes, and pain the muscles as well as severe joint pains, which is the reason why it is called break-bone fever.  The fever lasts from five to seven days. 

Doctors do not yet have a cure for dengue, but in most cases it can be treated at home with rest and plenty of fluids. Patients, however, need to be closely monitored in case dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome develops. These potentially deadly complications can occur after the initial fever subsides and the patient appears to be recovering. What are some of the symptoms of these  more serious conditions?  Severe abdominal pains, persistent  vomiting, nosebleeds and bleeding gums, black stools,  and reddish purple blisters under the skin.  Additionally, symptoms of dengue shock syndrome may include restlessness, excessive thirst, pale and cold skin, and very low blood pressure.  

Sadly, antibiotics are ineffective in treating dengue because it is a viral infection and not bacterial. Also, a patient is wise to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. There are four strains of dengue virus, and it is possible to get dengue more than once. 

If you contact dengue, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Also, remain under a mosquito net as much as possible to prevent mosquitoes from biting you and transmitting  the disease to others. 

How can you  limit exposure to mosquitoes in the first place? Wear long sleeves,m long pants, or long dresses, and use mosquito repellents. Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day, they are most active about two hours after sunrise and before sunset. 

Check for Breeding Sites: 

1. Abandoned tires

2. Rain gutters 

3. Flowerpots

4. Plastic containers
5. Discarded cans and barrels

Also, sleeping under a mosquito net that has been covered with insect repellent can offer you protection.

Time will tell whether vaccines can provide relief from dengue. Ultimately, though, God's Kingdom will eradicate all ailments, including this fever. Indeed, the time will come when God "will wipe out every tear  from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.  The former things have passed away." -Revelation 21:3, 4. 

Next time: THEY OFFERED THEMSELVES WILLINGLY -In New York

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015