Every year on 16^th May, National Dengue Day is observed in India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has officially announced the observance of National Dengue Day every year to create awareness and promote preventive measures to contain dengue. The theme of this year’s National Dengue Day is “Fight Dengue, Save Lives.” Dengue is one of the most common vector-borne diseases. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organizes various programmes to mark National Dengue Day across the nation.

Why is National Dengue Day important?

On National Dengue Day, the government and health organizations conduct awareness campaigns, distribute educational materials, organize seminars and meetings and participate in community outreach programmes to disseminate information on dengue prevention and control. This effort aims at individuals and communities and educates them to take early preventive measures. With dengue already present in more than 100 countries, people must understand the consequences of the disease and measures that can be taken to prevent it from spreading.

Symptoms of dengue

The infected person develops symptoms within 3-14 days after being bitten. Joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, swelling, vomiting and diarrhea are some of the common symptoms. In some cases, symptoms can be severe and life-threatening. The infected person usually recovers within a week.

Treatment of dengue

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever but symptoms can be treated with paracetamol or acetaminophen. Mild dengue fever is treated by drinking water or in severe cases with intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes with supportive care in the hospital and in case it gets difficult to treat dengue, blood is given to compensate for blood loss. The vaccine is also given to people aged 9-45 who have had at least one outbreak of dengue fever.

Dengue in India

Dengue cases in India tend to shoot up during and after the monsoon season. As per a study, around 1,10, 473 dengue cases were reported in India between January and October last year.

Prevention of dengue

Preventive measures are extremely important to contain dengue fever. Eliminating mosquito habitats by removing soft water from the home and surrounding areas is important to prevent dengue. Shutting doors and windows or installing insect screens can prevent mosquitoes from entering our homes. Using mosquito repellents while outdoors, protective clothing and mosquito nets while sleeping are effective ways to reduce mosquito bites. Understanding dengue’s symptoms is also important for its early detection and timely medical treatment.