Guidelines issued for prevention, management of dengue

DIMAPUR — In the interest of public health, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima, has issued guidelines for managing and preventing dengue fever.

In an update, it was stated that the advisory aims to protect the residents of Nagaland from the adverse effects of dengue fever and to minimise the spread of the disease.

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Dos

Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest to support your body’s recovery process.

Stay hydrated: Drink ample fluids to stay hydrated.

Medication: Use fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol as advised by a healthcare professional.

Consult a doctor: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience bleeding from gums, nose, urine, or if you have bloody stools.

Isolation: Isolate yourself to prevent spreading the disease and let family members monitor your condition closely.

Prevent mosquito bites: Protect yourself with mosquito nets, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use repellents during the daytime.

Use mosquito nets: Employ mosquito nets while sleeping to avoid mosquito bites.

Secure your home: Install wire mesh on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Reduce mosquito breeding sites: Regularly remove stagnant water around your home, especially during the rainy season.

Visit outbreak areas cautiously: Take necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites if visiting areas with dengue outbreaks.

Don’ts

Avoid self-medication: Do not self-medicate or consult unqualified individuals for treatment.

Medication caution: Avoid using ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium, as they may increase the risk of bleeding.

Limit physical activity: Refrain from strenuous physical activities to avoid exacerbating the condition.

Oral care: If experiencing bleeding gums, use mouthwash instead of brushing your teeth.

Prevent stagnant water: Do not allow stagnant water to accumulate around your home; remove it weekly, if not daily, to prevent mosquito breeding.

Avoid outbreak areas: Refrain from visiting areas with dengue outbreaks whenever possible.

Protective measures: Avoid sitting outside without protection during the early morning and late evening, when mosquitoes are most active.

Visiting dengue patients: Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites when visiting individuals with dengue fever.

Steroids: Do not use steroids without a prescription; they are not recommended for uncomplicated cases of dengue fever.

Platelet transfusion: Avoid unnecessary platelet transfusions; they are only required for patients with bleeding manifestations or other severe conditions.

Fogging: Do not rely solely on fogging for mosquito control, as it has limitations and does not eliminate mosquito eggs and larvae.

Dengue RDT caution: Be cautious with rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), as they can produce false positives. Confirm diagnosis with sentinel site hospitals such as Naga Hospital Authority Kohima and District Hospital Dimapur. The use of RDTs for dengue diagnosis is not recommended by the Government of India and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

It was urged that the public adhere to the guidelines to protect themselves and their communities from dengue fever. For further information and assistance, one may contact local health authorities or the dengue helpline at 7630932527.