Dengue cases rise: Know the symptoms and warning signs
MALAYSIA recorded 42,848 dengue cases between Jan 1 and July 9 this year, a 34.8 per cent increase from 31,790 cases during the same period last year, according to the Health Ministry.
Malaysia reported a 34.8 percent surge in dengue cases, reaching 42,848 between January 1 and July 9, 2023, compared to 31,790 during the same period in 2022, according to the Health Ministry. The number of dengue-related deaths also increased by 78.9 percent, from 19 to 34. Recognizing the early symptoms of dengue is crucial, as they differ from other illnesses and may require medical attention.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which thrive in warm and humid conditions with stagnant water. The four serotypes of the virus, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, provide long-term immunity only against the specific serotype contracted. Dengue symptoms typically appear four to ten days after infection and last two to seven days.
Common signs include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, and fatigue. Warning signs of severe dengue emerge after the fever subsides, and prompt medical intervention is necessary if patients experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, rapid breathing, restlessness, pale or cold skin, severe weakness, or excessive thirst.
While there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, care focuses on monitoring the patient's condition, maintaining hydration, and alleviating symptoms. Paracetamol is recommended to reduce fever and relieve pain, while aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs should be avoided due to the increased risk of bleeding. Patients should follow the dosage stated on the label or prescribed by a healthcare professional, and consult a doctor or pharmacist if unsure.
To prevent mosquito breeding, households should empty and clean water-holding containers weekly, secure water storage containers, dispose of rubbish properly, clear blocked drains and gutters, wear protective clothing, apply DEET, picaridin, or IR3535-based mosquito repellent, and use mosquito nets, coils, or vapour repellents where appropriate.
Vigilance is essential, as dengue cases and deaths in Malaysia highlight the need for early symptom recognition, medical advice, and monitoring for warning signs to prevent severe complications.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
