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Do you have fever? Test for dengue

The National Institute of Virology has confirmed 159 dengue cases in the city, and doctors are suggesting tests for dengue to any patient suffering from high fever for two to three days.

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Bangaloreans may be relieved that the monsoon has brought respite from the summer heat.

However, along with the rains have come diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya and viral fever.

With dengue already claiming one life in the city, doctors are taking no chances and are suggesting dengue tests for any patient complaining of fever for two to three days.

In fact, one city hospital has received 25 confirmed cases of dengue — 15 paediatric patients and 10 adults — in the last two weeks.

“Virology tests can be done only at the National Institute of Virology, which is a costly affair. However, blood tests are positive,” said Dr H Paramesh, director, Lakeside Hospital.

He added that patients who were attacked by the dengue virus for the second time were more prone to developing the Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

The hospital has received three cases of DSS within a fortnight, and two patients were recommended to Manipal Hospital.

Dr Poornima Parthasarathy, senior consultant, infectious diseases, Apollo Hospital, said that the number of dengue cases this year was higher than that of last year.

Any patient complaining of fever was being suspected with dengue.  “A rapid dengue test is mandatory for anyone complaining of fever, as reports are available within an hour. If the tests show positive result for dengue, treatment is started immediately,” she said.

Though dengue can be treated at home, depending on its severity, doctors need to repeatedly check the platelet and white blood cell count in the patient’s blood.

This is because if the platelet count falls, then the patient has to be hospitalised for platelet replacement, she added.

However, doctors have found that the number of paediatric patients suffering from dengue has not risen from that of last year.

“Luckily, DSS cases are much less compared to dengue haemorrhage fever among paediatric patients this year,” said Dr Aravind Shenoi, HoD paediatrics, Manipal Hospital.

He added that DSS patients had low blood pressure, and required a lot of intravenous fluids and ICU care to maintain the blood volume.

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