As many as 23 people have lost their lives because of dengue in Delhi this year. The number of fatalities due to vector-borne disease is the highest in at least the past six years. According to a report released by a civic body, six minors have succumbed to dengue in the past 60 days. This included an eight-month-old boy. The number of dengue cases in the national capital has risen to around 9,500. Out of this, 130 fresh cases were reported in the last week. It must be noted that this number is far less than what was being reported till a few weeks ago. The six new fatalities were reported between late October and November. So far in the month of December, the number of recorded cases of dengue has reached 1,269.
It is pertinent to mention that the number of deaths due to dengue in 2019 was just two, in 2018 it was four, and in 2017 and 2016 it was 10 each year. This figure is as per the official tally maintained by SDMC.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness and millions of cases of dengue infection are reported worldwide each year. Let’s have a look at symptoms, causes, and other details.
Symptoms
Most of the symptoms of dengue infection are usually mistaken by other illnesses like the flu. Also, these symptoms usually occur from four to 10 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of the symptoms are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rash
- Muscle, bone or joint pain,
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Pain behind the eyes
Warning signs of severe dengue fever
- Difficult or rapid breathing
- Severe stomach pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding from gums or nose
- Blood in your stools, urine or vomit
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
Who are at risk
Those who were infected with dengue fever in the past have a higher risk of severe symptoms in case of getting dengue fever again.
Complications
Severe dengue fever can damage organs and cause internal bleeding. Dengue can lead to a drop in blood pressure that can result in shock. If a pregnant women get dengue fever, there are chances that it may spread to the baby during childbirth.
Prevention
Preventing mosquito bites still remains the main method for preventing its spread.
