SRINAGAR: This year, the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has begun to record dengue cases. So far, 39 cases have been confirmed, including two cases from Kashmir that had a history of travel.
Dr. D J Raina, the state’s malariologist, advised the people to take preventative action to stop the spread of this disease carried by vectors. Proactive prophylaxis is crucial in the absence of a dengue vaccine, according to Dr. Raina. “Effective measures are being implemented by authorities to mitigate the spread of dengue this year,” he stated, advising individuals to exercise caution rather than panic.The number of instances is still quite small even with higher testing rates. To prevent dengue.
Dr. Raina advised people to adopt preventative measures. He recommended that people who test positive for dengue prioritise getting plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. He issued a dire warning against self-medication, especially the use of opioids, which might exacerbate the illness by raising the possibility of bleeding in extreme situations.
According to the malaria expert, every district hospital offers testing services and has 20 beds set aside especially for dengue patients.Samples are being gathered at block-level sub-district hospitals starting this year, and they will be transported in a cold chain to district hospitals for testing.
Results will be communicated to suspected patients by phone or WhatsApp,” he said. According to Dr. Raina, they have developed a comprehensive strategy to stop the dengue virus from spreading, which includes controlling and altering surroundings to keep mosquitoes out of areas where they lay their eggs. This entails routinely cleaning household water storage facilities, eliminating artificial water-holding containers, and disposing of solid waste in an appropriate manner.
Additionally, he suggested using insecticides in outdoor water storage tanks in the proper manner.According to Dr. Raina, the main dengue vector, the Aedes mosquito, has adapted to live in urban areas and breeds mostly in artificial containers such buckets, mud pots, abandoned containers, old tires, and any standing water.
In addition to advising people to wear clothing that reduces skin exposure to mosquito bites—especially at dusk and dawn when the Aedes mosquito is most active—he suggested routine cleaning of these nesting areas. To further inform the public about preventing dengue, the department has increased its preventative efforts, which include vector control (bio-larvicide fish, spraying, and fogging) and public awareness campaigns (print, electronic, social media, and announcements).To stop mosquitoes from multiplying, medical authorities advise getting rid of standing water around homes, businesses, and educational institutions.
To prevent bites, they recommend sleeping with a mosquito net over your body. Fever, headaches, rash, nausea, vomiting, eye discomfort (usually behind the eyes), muscle, joint, or bone pain are common dengue symptoms.
About 6,403 dengue cases were registered in Jammu and Kashmir last year; however, in 2022, 8,269 cases—the largest number ever—were reported, with 18 fatalities. The number of cases varied from year to year in the past, with notable increases in certain.(KNO)
