Suffering from fever for days, I was led to the emergency ward of a hospital in Delhi. Enjoying rains like everyone else, relishing the fresh drops of water on my face; falling ill hadn't once crossed my mind. As I lay questioning my intelligence, my parents were faced with questions regarding our attention towards mosquito protection or mosquito repellents. They asked whether I had taken any aspirin based medicine, as they can deeply worsen the condition.
While I struggled with the thermometer I paid close attention to the doctor narrating the rise in mosquito diseases, especially Dengue cases in the country. As the nurse swiftly questioned and checked me for all the symptoms, namely - fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and a skin rash that resembled measles. I soon noticed a poster educating about Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, a result of Dengue that causes bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and blood plasma leakage, or perhaps into Dengue Shock Syndrome, where the blood pressure of the person falls dangerously low!
Symptoms matched, but not all. I gave a blood test, which even though I was against, was the only way to determine my condition. I borrowed my brother's phone and searched online about mosquito diseases, the hazards and mosquito control.
80% affected face only mild symptoms like fever, while the rest suffer severe illness, including life threatening circumstances. Dengue surfaces in 3-14 days, hence it isn't easy to determine the cause for the fever, vomiting, body aches unless a blood test is conducted.
My mother sat next to me, and began the crash course in mosquito diseases and their symptoms. Dengue usually causes a headache and fever that lasts 2-7 days, vomiting may occur. A rash (the one that resembles measles) may occur too, although it surfaces only in 50-80% of the cases. Some petechie (Small red or purple spots that appear on the surface of the skin during tiny haemorrhages, like in Typhoid Fever) may appear. Mild bleeding from mouth and nose can also occur. Fever may arise and fade away, but tends to return in case you are indeed infected by the virus.
The doctors called my mother, so I continued my research. Dengue can affect many body systems. It can cause a decreased level of consciousness, as the brain can be affected by the virus, or a vital organ (like the liver) being impaired. Neurological disorders such as Transverse Myelitis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Infection of the heart and acute liver failure are among the rarer complications.
My illness could have been mistaken for Dengue. Just like most viral infections.
A week had passed. I had been cleared. No Dengue. As there is no given cure for dengue, the most important aspect is to remember to eliminate all habitats for best mosquito protection. So I set out to empty all containers of water or add insecticides or a biological control agent to the areas. Clearing all places where water has been accumulated is although preferred as insecticides and other control agents can have negative effects.
I applied Odomos mosquito repellent and searched, my home was already clear. Soon I learnt that my brother had done the needful. Guess that's what families are for!
With mosquito repellent or mosquito control tactics intact, rains will once again mean freshness and joy!
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