Dengue fever and nutrition  

Dengue fever is endemic in Pakistan, with studies of seasonal outbreaks and the unfold of distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-3) in several elements of the nation. The primary reported outbreak of dengue fever in Pakistan occurred in 1994; nonetheless, the annual epidemic pattern and a fast improve in incidence started in Karachi in November 2005. In 2019, there was a substantial improve within the variety of circumstances.

In 2021, the KPK and Tribal Districts reported 7641 confirmed circumstances of dengue fever. There have been 9,676 confirmed dengue fever circumstances in Punjab, with 16 deaths. In AJK, 1,689 confirmed circumstances of dengue fever had been reported, with one loss of life, whereas 12,986 confirmed circumstances of dengue fever had been reported from eight main hospitals in Islamabad, with 22 deaths. In Sindh, there have been a complete of 12,053 confirmed circumstances of dengue fever, together with 33 deaths. In Baluchistan, 3,075 confirmed circumstances of dengue fever had been reported, with three deaths. Except for eradicating mosquitos, researchers are engaged on a virus-specific therapy. It’s thought of a tropical illness that’s gone unnoticed.

Three to 14 days after an infection, signs often seem. A excessive temperature, headache, vomiting, muscular and joint issues, and a particular pores and skin rash are all potential signs. It often takes two to seven days to recuperate. In a tiny proportion of circumstances, the illness progresses to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes bleeding, low blood platelet counts, and blood plasma leakage, or to dengue shock syndrome, which causes dangerously low blood stress. 

Usually, individuals contaminated with the dengue virus are asymptomatic (80%) or have solely gentle signs reminiscent of an uncomplicated fever. Others have extra extreme diseases (5%), and in a small proportion, it’s life-threatening. The incubation interval (time between publicity and onset of signs) ranges from 3 to 14 days, however most frequently it’s 4 to 7 days.

Youngsters sometimes have signs which are just like the widespread chilly and gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea), and they’re at a better threat of extreme problems, even when the preliminary signs are modest however contain a excessive fever.

Dengue fever vaccine has been licensed and is accessible commercially in a number of international locations. As of 2018, the vaccination is barely suggested for individuals who have already been affected or for teams with a excessive fee of prior an infection by age 9. Different methods to keep away from mosquito bites embody minimizing mosquito habitat and limiting chew publicity. This may be achieved by eradicating or protecting standing water and carrying clothes that covers a big portion of the physique.

That will help you recuperate from dengue fever, eat meals excessive in protein and iron (meat, eggs, and liver, for instance). These support within the prevention of anaemia and the strengthening of the immune system. A well-nourished physique is best in a position to struggle off a dengue an infection. Consequently, it’s vital to eat usually, relaxation, and drink not less than 3L (12 cups) of fluid day-after-day. Meals that will assist towards dengue embody Lean meats reminiscent of rooster, lean pink meat and fish, liver, milk and dairy merchandise, eggs, beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas and water, coconut water, pure fruit juices. 

NABEEHA KALEEM,

Lahore.

Comments

0 comments

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *