“The number of people affected by the vector-borne disease in the Jammu district has increased to 3243 with 87 additional cases,” a health official stated, noting that over 90% of cases have been reported from municipal areas.
There were 483 cases recorded from Kathua, 260 from Udhampur, 227 from Reasi, 128 from Rajouri, 135 from Doda, 59 from Poonch, 49 from Ramban, 19 from Kishtwar, and 19 from the Kashmir area, he said, while Samba led the Jammu district with 555 cases.
There have also been reports of 34 local cases from other states and UTs.
The official added that up until yesterday, a total of 28261 patients have undergone dengue testing this year, with 5211 of those tests coming back positive. That there has only been one recorded dengue-related death this year, however, is a relief.
He also said that of the 152 dengue cases that were recorded yesterday, 22 were in youngsters (9 males and 13 females) and 130 were adults (37 males and 93 females). “A total of 481 dengue-affected patients were admitted to the hospital; 389 of them were released following successful treatment, while 80 are still receiving treatment at different hospitals throughout the UT,” the official added.
‘Aedes aegypti’ and ‘Aedes albopictus’ mosquitoes are the main vectors of dengue, a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. Tropical and subtropical regions are home to a large number of cases, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Multiple infections are possible because infection with one of the four dengue virus types (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) does not confer immunity against the others.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of dengue fever usually show up 4–10 days after infection and can range from mild to severe. Typical signs and symptoms include:
-Elevated fever
-A really bad headache
– Eye pain behind the eyes
-Muscle and joint pain
– Rash
-Vomiting and nausea
Dengue hemorrhagic fever’ (DHF) or ‘dengue shock syndrome’ (DSS) are severe forms of dengue that can cause bleeding, blood plasma leakage, or dangerously low blood pressure. These conditions can be fatal.
Preventive
The best defense against dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. Important tactics consist of:
- Applying repellents to insects
- Putting screens on doors and windows
- Eliminating standing water in areas where mosquitoes thrive
- Donning protective gear
Treatment
Dengue does not have a specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care is the main focus of management, which includes monitoring for complications, hydration, and pain relief with paracetamol (avoid aspirin and ibuprofen due to bleeding risk). Although they are not always advised, some nations offer vaccines such as Dengvaxia to people who have previously contracted dengue.
