STING OP

The Aedes mosquito that carries the deadly dengue virus is back. As hospitals and doctors brace themselves, experts warn people to take precaution. Pregnant women and kids need to be extra-cautious to avoid being struck down by dengue.

BE WARNED PREGNANT WOMEN

Dr Shivani Sachdev Gour, infertility specialist and gynaecologist at SCI Healthcare, says that pregnant women should take extra precaution in case of dengue infection because it can lead to pleurisy, lung enlargement, complication during labour, reduced foetal movements, excessive bleeding during delivery or slow healing of caesarean wounds.

The chances of miscarriage increase if the dengue virus enters a pregnant woman’s body. “The dengue virus can retard intra-uterine growth, premature nupture of the membrane, premature delivery and intra-uterine death,” says Dr Asha Sharma of Rockland Hospital.

HEART DISEASE NOT RULED OUT

Dr Umesh Gupta, senior cardiologist with Umkal Healthcare says, “Dengue very rarely affects the heart but if the virus reaches the heart it may lead to myocarditis, a condition in which the heart muscles swell thereby reducing its pumping capacity. This might lead to stroke. The virus may also cause pericardial effusion-a condition in which water accumulates in the pericardium layer that surrounds the heart”.

BLOOD CANCER THREAT

In very rare cases, the dengue fever may lead to cancer. Dr Amit Bhargava, consultant oncologist at Max Healthcare, says” The decrease in the level of blood platelets should be taken very seriously. A dengue serology test should be conducted immediately to check for dengue symptoms. If the test result is negative then an ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) test should be done to rule out the possibility of blood cancer.

KIDS BE CAREFUL!

Dr Sonali Gaur, Pediatrician at Gurgaon’s Umkal Healthcare, states that kids below the age of 15 years are more prone to the infection which might result in haemorrhagic fever or the dengue shock syndrome.

“The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is most active during the day time and has a short flight span, which means that people living in close proximity to the infected person are more likely to get affected by the disease,” says Dr Gaur.