Dengue Fever Continues to Plague Bangalore

A recent report has revealed that several children in Bangalore have suffered from symptoms similar to those of dengue shock syndrome. Dengue is quite prevalent in South India especially during the rainy season. It spreads through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which can bite at any time of the day.

In its simplest form, dengue results in fever and mild symptoms, which usually subside on their own. A sudden fall in platelets results in dengue hemorrhagic fever. In its third form, dengue results in dengue shock syndrome, where the patient’s blood pressure falls to dangerous levels.

Though it has not been confirmed, pediatricians in Bangalore feel that several patients especially children and adolescents have presented with symptoms similar to dengue shock syndrome. Unfortunately, according to reports, at least five children have succumbed to the disease. The patients’ blood pressure falls to a level where it is not enough to supply blood to the various organs. This results in organ failure and subsequent death.

Doctors advise that patients with fever for more than a week and a low platelet count should be tested for dengue and treated accordingly. Awareness among the general public about the symptoms of dengue could help to diagnose the disease early and control it to some extent

Source-Medindia