COMBAT DENGUE
It is really alarming that Jammu division is confronting a dengue outbreak of extraordinary grade with cases crossing 3K mark in the last few weeks and reportedly three persons (All women) succumbing to this most prevalent arboviral disease of humans. Arboviral disease is a general term used to describe infections caused by a group of viruses spread to people by the bite of infected arthropods (insects) such as mosquitoes and ticks. These infections usually occur during warm weather months, when mosquitoes and ticks are active as they witness mushroom growth. It is strange that despite increased funding and advances in dengue research, dengue endemic is intensifying in frequency, magnitude and geographic reach as the case in Jammu Division which has witnessed unprecedented cases in the last few weeks with deaths making things more precarious. Dengue fever results from a mosquito-borne viral infection. It can lead to severe illness in some cases. Four different viruses can cause dengue fever, and Aedes mosquitoes transmit it. Reportedly, three women have died of dengue at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H), Jammu during the past few weeks while 3115 fresh cases were reported during the same period. For most people, the best way to prevent dengue fever is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Till date, there is no cure for dengue fever like the coronavirus however, early recognition and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent fatalities, therefore making it necessary for one and all to go for tests as soon as possible after having fever during the current times as time is a significant factor in treating the disease which at times could be fatal. Dengue fever is characterized by debilitating symptoms including high fever, arthralgia, myalgia, anorexia, petechiae/rash, and retro-orbital pain. As these symptoms are non-specific and overlap with many other infections, such as Chikungunya and Zika, laboratory diagnosis is required to differentiate between these diseases and taking care through different treatments. It is unfortunate that despite the government disseminating information on controlling the specific mosquito species which is responsible for the spread of Dengue, people are not taking things seriously and that is the reason behind this disease taking a dangerous turn in Jammu Division leading to deaths and serious medical conditions.