Dengue viral fever is a common viral infection in South East Asia and in Pakistan. In recent months it has made news because of rise in number of cases as well as in severity. WHAT IS DENGUE The Hemorrhagic fever occurring allover Pakistan is most commonly due to a virus called "Dengue" (Pronounced as "Dengy"). HOW DOES IT SPREAD This virus is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito which is different from the mosquito that causes malaria. The mosquito breeds in clean water containers, blocked drains, in garbage dumps and wherever water accumulates inside the house or in the premises. Therefore the best way to eliminate this mosquito is to eliminate its breeding places. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Infection with dengue usually produces a mild infection with fever and headache that may last 2-5 days with complete recovery. Or it may present as "Classic Dengue", with high fever and body pain with rash that may last 6-10 days and end with complete recovery. A few patients may develop rashes on the skin, bleeding from gums or nose or in the vomitus or stool due to internal bleeding. This is a warning sign to contact your doctor immediately. Most patients recover with supportive care. Rarely some patients with dengue fever may go into shock with severe bleeding from different body sites, sudden fall in blood pressure, cool, clammy skin and extreme weakness. At this time it is difficult to distinguish Dengue Shock Syndrome from Congo Crimean Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (CCVF). Blood tests can differentiate the two types of infection. LABORATORY TEST In all cases of dengue fever the blood platelet count (cells that help in clotting blood) decreases progressively, depending upon the severity of the disease. Dengue can be confirmed by a specific blood test . TREATMENT In all cases fever should be controlled and plenty of fluids given. DSS is always serious, and any patient with bleeding should be hospitalized. There is no specific treatment but fluids and blood or blood products may have to be replaced urgently. HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DENGUE Dengue is not spread from person to person; therefore the patient need not be isolated. Only normal precautions to avoid touching blood must be observed. Dengue infection is here to stay and will increase in number unless we eliminate breeding places for mosquitoes. Spraying garbage with insecticides will not eliminate mosquitoes entirely. Keep all water storage tanks and containers covered. Only a clean environment, free from garbage and stagnant water can save us from many infectious diseases. CIVIC AUTHORITIES AND INDIVIDUALS MUST CO-OPERATE TO ELIMINATE BREEDING GROUNDS FOR MOSQUITOES. For further information e-mail to:- idsp123@yahoo.com A public service message from Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan (IDSP) A-53, Block-2, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi - Pakistan. Tel: 021-2040843