Sri Lanka is a tropical country there is an abundance of blood-sucking critters. Mosquitoes in particular spread numerous diseases and have caused epidemics that have put the healthcare system in overdrive due to the increase in patients needing medical care. This dengue season there have been a record-breaking 27,000 cases recorded. With 50% of the recorded cases being in the western province.
The mosquito might have won…
The symptoms of dengue fever include,
- High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F)
- Headache and body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be fatal.
If you experience these symptoms it is important to seek medical attention. If you would like to make an appointment at Durdans Hospital please call 076 667 2606 or Text Hi to https://wa.me/94112140000?text=Hi
Don’t want to be taken down by a mosquito…
Preventing dengue fever involves avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites. Here are some tips for preventing dengue:
Use mosquito repellent: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin. Even herbal oils like Citronella oil will work as well.
Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover your skin. Itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikinis mean more exposed skin for the mosquitoes to feast on.
Use mosquito nets: Sleep under a mosquito net, especially if you enjoy afternoon naps.
Eliminate breeding sites: Remove any standing water in and around your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Adding Gambusia Affinis Fish, called Mosquito Fish to ponds and removing stagnant water collection sites is effective in eliminating breeding grounds.
Dengue Detection
Dengue antigen tests are used to detect the presence of the virus in the blood during the early stages of the illness, typically within the first five days of the onset of symptoms. Antigen tests are rapid and easy to perform, and they detect the dengue virus protein NS1, which is released by infected cells. NS1 antigen tests are highly specific and can help to diagnose dengue fever in areas where the disease is endemic.
The tests
Dengue NS1 Antigen – can use this test while having dengue (acute phase), detects protein NS1 of the dengue virus, protein is secreted into the blood. This test is ideal. (Get tested at Durdans Labs for just Rs. 1,200)
Dengue IgM & IgG Antibodies –
Dengue antibody tests are used to detect the presence of antibodies produced by the body’s immune system in response to the virus. Antibody tests are useful in detecting past infections or recent exposure to the dengue virus, and they can differentiate between the four serotypes of dengue. There are two types of antibody tests: IgM and IgG.
IgM antibodies are produced early in the course of infection, usually within 5-7 days after the onset of symptoms, and they remain detectable for about 2-3 months.
IgG antibodies are produced later in the course of infection and can persist for many years, providing long-term immunity to that specific serotype.
(The Dengue Antibody can be done at the Durdans Labs for Rs 5250)
Dengue PCR – accurate and high sensitivity, Dengue PCR is also useful for confirming cases of dengue fever in patients with atypical symptoms or in areas where other viruses with similar symptoms are circulating. PCR testing can differentiate between the four serotypes of dengue, and it can also be used to monitor the viral load in patients with severe dengue fever.
(Get tested at Durdans for just Rs 14 500)
If you would like more information regarding these tests contact the Durdans Labs help desk, just call 0112140111 or ask our chatbot https://wa.me/94112140000?text=Hi
Stay safe…
It’s crucial to remember that we are all in this together and that by taking preventative measures, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the spread of dengue fever. We must also offer support and care to those who have been affected by the disease, whether it be through providing medical care, emotional support, or simply checking in on them.
