The city reported 301 new dengue cases last week, with doctors now warning that people who suffered from dengue last year must take additional precautions because a second attack may be more dangerous than the first attack.
“The city seems to be equalling the dengue cases number that we registered in 2010, when we had the last dengue spike,” said K.K. Aggarwal, secretary general, Indian Medical Association.
He noted that there are four different strains (types) of dengue and one can therefore suffer from dengue four times in his or her lifetime.
“The second or subsequent dengue infections tend to be more serious. A person with dengue can also simultaneously suffer from malaria. Malaria and dengue together can lower platelet counts to a dangerous level, leading to complications. One must, however, always remember that platelet transfusion in dengue patients can cause more harm than good and must only be administered if a person’s platelet count is less than 10,000 and he has active bleeding,” he added.
A senior Delhi government health official maintained that with the rising incidence of dengue in the city, it is extremely important that adequate precautions be taken. “Dengue is dangerous in one per cent of the cases; dramatic plasma leakage can develop suddenly causing complications. Keeping this in mind, substantial attention must be placed upon the early identification of patients at higher risk of shock syndrome and other complications. Staying well-hydrated is key for patients suffering from dengue,” he said.
Meanwhile, doctors warn about other seasonal diseases plaguing the city currently, which includes chikungunya, malaria, viral fever, respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and food poisoning and allergies.
“The season is especially harsh for older people, children and those with any medical condition,” said Narendra Saini of the Delhi Medical Association.
Paediatrician Gaurav Sethi noted: “We are seeing that influenza is currently extracting the highest toll from children and their parents. The sheer number of previously healthy children who get infected every flu season and visit our hospital should make doctors realise the importance of preventing it by vaccination. Having the highest attack rates and chances of complications make children the primary aim for prevention strategies.”
There are four different types of dengue and one can therefore suffer from dengue four times in his or her lifetime
