Beware of the Threat of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
The rainy season like now is very vulnerable to dengue fever. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or commonly known as dengue fever is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that grows in tropical and subtropical areas.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or commonly known as dengue fever is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that grows in tropical and subtropical areas. Mild dengue can cause high fever, red rash on the skin and muscle pain. Severe dengue fever, also known as hemorrhagic fever, can cause severe bleeding, drop in blood pressure, and death.
Causes of Dengue Fever
The Aedes aegypti mosquito will transmit the virus when it bites and sucks the blood of its victim. This type of mosquito usually attacks in the morning and evening. In appearance, this mosquito is quite easy to recognize by its black and white striped color with small physical characteristics. They do not like to live in dirty places, but rather target clean places, such as bathtubs.
In addition, there are several risk factors that make Sahabat Hermina more susceptible to dengue fever, including:
- Living or traveling to the tropics.
- Have a history of dengue virus infection.
- Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
Therefore, as a preventive measure, Sahabat Hermina is advised to keep the environment clean, stockpile unused used goods, remove standing water and sprinkle abate powder. In addition, you are also advised to boost your immune system by eating healthy foods, getting enough rest, controlling stress, exercising regularly, and don't forget to install insect repellent in rooms where mosquitoes are indicated as hiding places.
Dengue Fever Symptoms
Many people have no signs or symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever infection. When symptoms do occur, they are mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu. Usually symptoms will appear from four to 10 days after being bitten by a mosquito. This disease can cause a high fever of up to 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, some other symptoms, including:
- Headache.
- Muscle, bone or joint pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Pain behind the eyes
- Swollen glands.
- Rash.
Most people recover within a week or so. In some cases, the symptoms get worse and can be life-threatening. This is called severe dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Severe dengue occurs when blood vessels become damaged and leak. This condition will cause the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in the bloodstream to fall. This can lead to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure and even death.
Warning signs that dengue fever is severe and is an emergency can develop quickly. Warning signs usually begin the first day or two after the fever goes away, including:
- Severe stomach ache.
- Vomiting constantly.
- Bleeding from the gums or nose.
- Blood in the urine, stool, or vomit.
- Bleeding under the skin, which looks like a bruise.
- Difficult or rapid breathing.
- Fatigue.
- Irritability or restlessness.
Dengue Fever Prevention
The World Health Organization stresses that the vaccine itself is not an effective tool for reducing dengue fever in areas where the disease is frequent. Prevention of mosquito bites and control of mosquito populations are still the main methods to prevent the spread of dengue fever.
If Sahabat Hermina lives or travels to an area that is often affected by this disease, the following tips can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites:
Use air conditioning or mosquito nets installed in the vents and beds. In addition, mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus are most active from dawn to dusk, but they can also bite at night.
Wear protective clothing when you go to mosquito-infested areas, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes.
Use insect repellents such as permethrin as they can be applied to clothing, shoes, camping gear, and mosquito nets. Hermina's friends can also buy clothes made with permethrin already in them.
Reducing mosquito habitat by closing standing water. Mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus usually live in and around homes, breeding in standing water that can congregate on used car tires. Reducing the mosquito population by eliminating the habitat where they lay their eggs. At least once a week, empty and clean containers that contain standing water, such as planting containers, animal dishes, and flower vases. Keep the water container closed between cleanings
When to go to the doctor?
Severe dengue is a life-threatening medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if Sahabat Hermina has a fever and develops any of the warning signs previously mentioned.Warning signs include severe stomach pain, vomiting, trouble breathing, or blood in the nose, gums, vomit or stools. If Friends of Hermina experience the above symptoms, you can consult a doctor at Hermina Pandanaran Hospital. Get easy doctor registration through the halo hermina mobile application, call center 1500488 and the website www.herminahospitals.com