Call 1180 if dengue concerned, urges authorities

KATHMANDU: Dengue fever, pronounced DENgee, is a painful and incapacitating disease transmitted by mosquitoes carrying one of four closely related dengue viruses.

These viruses are akin to those responsible for West Nile infection and yellow fever.

The disease spreads through the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus, which becomes infected after biting a person with the virus in their bloodstream.

Importantly, dengue fever cannot be transmitted directly from person to person.

In light of health concerns, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has advised residents to promptly contact 1180 if they suspect they have dengue fever.

With regular water pooling increasing the risk of dengue transmission, authorities have emphasized seeking advice promptly through the hotline.

The Dengue-related focal person of the operation, Rishi Bhusal, shared that free ambulance services can be availed by dialing 102 in case of sudden hospital needs.

To prevent the spread of the disease, the municipality has launched an awareness campaign every Wednesday and Saturday, involving 64 health workers and 558 female health volunteers, as informed by Bhusal.

He highlighted, “Mosquitoes that spread dengue breed in stagnant water. Their reproductive cycle completes there, so water should not be allowed to accumulate. This is a task that individuals and communities can undertake themselves, so we are providing information on this as the main focus of our campaign.”

Bhushal also encouraged contacting local health promotion centers for symptomatic testing and medication.

Symptoms

Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include

• Sudden, high fever
• Severe headaches
• Pain behind the eyes
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever
• Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)

Occasionally, symptoms may be mild and could be confused with those of the flu or another viral illness.

Prevention

• Keep water containers covered.
• Use mosquito repellents, even indoors.
• Dispose of bottles, tires, plastic items.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks when outdoors.
• When indoors, use air conditioning if available.
• Make sure window and door screens are secure and free of holes. If sleeping areas are not screened or air conditioned, use mosquito nets.
• If you have symptoms of dengue, speak to your doctor.

If a family member contracts dengue fever, be extra vigilant in protecting yourself and other household members from mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes that bite the infected person could transmit the infection to others in your household.