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SP GRAM
Medical Articles
Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease which is quite 3 days, Dengue IgM/IgG test is recommended. This is a dengue
prevalent in Malaysia. Selangor state often antibody test.
tops the chart with the highest number of
There is no specific treatment or immunization
incidences.
for dengue fever. Patients are treated
The fever is transmitted by the female symptomatically for fever and body pain. Here,
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Paracetamol is the drug of choice. Patients are
mosquitoes which are infected with the also requested to keep hydrating themselves.
dengue virus. These mosquitoes mostly However, if the platelets readings are lower
breed in containers stagnant water such as than 50 it is wise to be admitted in the
water storage containers, flower pots, hospital for further management to avoid any
discarded tires, plates under potted plants, complications.
cemetery vases, buckets, tin cans, clogged
Prevention of the disease involves protecting yourself and preventing
rain gutters, water bowls for pets, birdbaths, etc.
the breeding of mosquitioes by:
Symptoms, which usually begin 4 to 6 days after infections may
Use of mosquito repellents, even indoors
include sudden high fever (40 - 41℃), severe headaches, pain
behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, abdominal Wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants
discomfort, vomiting, loss of appetite, skin rash and mild bleeding while outdoors
from the nose and gums. These symptoms may last 2 - 10 days. The Installing insect repellent screens on doors and windows
rash usually appears on day 3 and 4 after the onset of fever.
Using mosquito nets, coils and vaporizers
The severe form of dengue is potentially deadly complication due to
Eradication of mosquito breeding grounds such as removal of
plasma leakage, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe
old tires, cans, flower pots and ornamental fountains that
bleeding or organ impairment. This is Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.
collect rain
Patients need proper medical care to avoid the risk of death.
Regular change of water in pet’s water bowls and birdbaths
Diagnosing dengue fever is done by blood test to check for the virus
or antibodies to it. Emptying, cleaning and covering water storage containers
At SP Care Clinic, the doctors will advice patients to do two blood weekly
investigations. First is the Full Blood Count (FBC). This investigation Use of insecticides on water storage containers
allows us to evaluate the concentration of white blood cells (WBC)
See our doctors or call us immediately if you think you may have
and platelets (PLT). The reduction of both these parameters denote
dengue fever. Early diagnosis is important to reduce the risk of
possible dengue viral fever. To further confirm the diagnosis, another
complications.
test called NS1 antigen has to be carried out. This is a specific test
for early stage of dengue fever. NS1 is usually recommended on the REFERENCE
first 3 days. For further confirmation or if the fever lasts for more than http://denggi.myhealth.gov.my/what-is-dengue/=en
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