Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by any one of the four types of dengue virus, namely Dengue Virus type 1, type 2, type 3 and type 4, abbreviated as DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 respectively. It is most commonly transmitted by the female Aedes mosquito.

Since it is a vector-borne ailment, the harmful virus gets transferred to people by means of a carrier and is typically presented as a fever that subsides in one to two weeks, with proper medical assistance.

During monsoons, microbial illnesses are rampant and very often become an epidemic. When the mosquito bites a person infected with dengue virus, the transmittable agent is harboured in its body and then transported to another person by means of its sting. Dengue fever is hence, not contagious, as it does not spread directly from one person to another, but rather by means of affected mosquitoes.

If dengue fever is left untreated, symptoms worsen, causing bleeding, shock, heart problems and liver malfunctioning, which is known as DSS (Dengue Shock Syndrome). DSS can ultimately lead to death. Therefore, once dengue has been contracted by a person, it is recommended to seek immediate medical care, in order to guarantee appropriate treatment and complete recovery from the viral fever.

Symptoms Of Dengue:

The distinctive symptoms of dengue fever comprise high fever and agonizing headaches, with body pain and muscle aches. Affected individuals also experience fatigue, nausea and vomiting, accompanied by skin rashes and minor bleeding of the gums.

The doctor will conduct blood tests, to detect if the dengue virus is present in the sample of the patient.

Dengue fever is, first and foremost a mosquito-borne illness, that chiefly occurs owing to contracting the detrimental dengue virus, after being bitten by a carrier female Aedes mosquito. In the monsoon season, in hot, humid countries such as Asia, South America, an epidemic of dengue fever usually happens due to specific contributing factors.

These include living in unsanitary conditions, particularly in tropical environments, leaving open puddles of contaminated water for mosquitoes to thrive in, keeping windows, doors wide open and not wearing fully cloaked clothes, to shield from mosquito bites.

Although these are the main hazards giving rise to the easy and widespread transmission of dengue, certain risk factors also predispose an individual to contract dengue fever in quite severe forms. These comprise the following:

Young Age:

Dengue fever is very rampant in infants, babies below 2 years of age and toddlers, irrespective of whether they receive ample nutrition or are malnourished.

Being Female:

It is still yet to be scientifically deduced as to why dengue affects more women than men, but the virus is found to afflict the female population in larger proportions than males, that too rather severely.

High BMI:

As per research studies analysing the people affected by dengue, particularly during an epidemic of the disease, it was determined that numerous individuals with a higher than average BMI - body mass index i.e. suffering from overweight or obesity conditions acquired the illness, compared to those who maintained healthy body weight.

Genetic Variations:

Certain unique gene anomalies, namely in the proteins associated with immunity in the body – MHC or major histocompatibility complex and specific types of human leukocyte antigens, were ascertained to be involved with making a person more prone to contracting dengue fever.

Papaya Leaf Extract For Improving Platelet Count:

Do not ever ignore Dengue fever as it brings down the platelet count, the tiny blood cells that aid the clotting of blood. In a few cases, a severe reduction in the number of platelets could be fatal.

Papaya leaf extract is the only remedy besides proper medication vouched by the doctors of allopathic and traditional medicine alike. Studies reveal that a small glass of papaya juice twice a day can significantly improve the levels of platelets besides bringing down the fever. In case papaya leaves are not available in your neighbourhood, go for the supplements made from the extract.

How To Make Papaya Leaf Juice At Home:

Ingredients:

5 fresh papaya leaves

1 cup water

Method:

Wash papaya leaves thoroughly and chop into tiny bits.

Boil water and add leaves. Wait till the water changes its colour to green.

Strain the juice. Since it is bitter in taste, give some sugar or jaggery to the patient immediately after consuming the juice.

The dosage for adults is 30 ml twice a day and for kids is 5 to 10 ml, depending on the doctor’s advice.

How It Works:

Papaya leaves are intrinsically bestowed with natural plant compounds such as flavonoids and carotenes, which are powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecules, preventing harmful free radicals from causing any damage to cells in the body. In addition, papaya leaves have abundant reserves of a unique phytochemical called acetogenin, which possesses anti-malarial traits, thereby increasing platelet count and helping in the speedy recuperation of those affected by dengue fever.

Treatment Options:

Once it is confirmed that the individual has contracted the dengue virus, treatment usually focuses on reducing symptoms of fever and joint pain, with prescription antipyretics that reduce body temperature and analgesics for providing pain relief, respectively. There is no specific antiviral cure for dengue yet, although some vaccines in research have shown some promise in preventing the disease from occurring in a person.

Prevention Tips:

Ensuring proper hygiene practices can effectively prevent dengue fever. Some simple yet highly efficient measures include drinking papaya leaf extract, using mosquito repellants both, when outdoors and indoors, wearing fully covered clothing to avoid getting bitten by infected mosquitoes and sealing all doors and windows to keep the detrimental vectors from entering homes.