As Dengue Cases Rise, Biggest Myths around The Disease Busted

People fall into many myths and misconceptions, which can not only make them vulnerable to this serious disease but can also give a frightening look to the disease.

Dengue ward of a government hospital in Allahabad ( Image Source :AFP )

New Delhi: A number of states are facing a Dengue outbreak in their cities. UP, West Bengal, Delhi, and Punjab are the worst-hit states. More than 5000 cases have been recorded in Delhi in the current year. Doctors are advised to strictly follow all the necessary precautions and to be aware of the symptoms.

People fall into many myths and misconceptions, which can not only make them vulnerable to this serious disease but can also give a frightening look to the disease. We are here with a detailed description for you to understand this illness and also to burst out some myths which can make the disease severe for the patient.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue is a vector-borne disease, spread by Aedes Mosquitoes. Dengue can have mild to very serious symptoms. These symptoms take usually 4 to 7 days to get recognized after the person gets bitten by the mosquito. Hurting muscles and joints, high fever, Vomiting, body rashes, and extreme migraine are signs of mild Dengue. If the person does not take the necessary steps and proper treatment, these side effects can steadily deteriorate causing internal bleeding, a sensitive stomach, weak pulse, significant drop in blood platelets, disorientation, etc. These extreme side effects can lead to the death of a patient. 

Myth1:  Dengue can be transmitted through any mosquito

Fact: It is not true at all. As mentioned above, it is only transmitted through female Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitos can transfer the infection only when they are infected. Notably, during their feeding period, they usually bite more than one person during the day.

Myth 2: If your platelet count is low, can be dengue

Fact: Though platelet count is the important signal of dengue every time low platelet doesn't mean you have Dengue. If it is followed by fever, your chances of being diagnosed with dengue are more, however, this can also be because of leptospirosis, scrub typhus and Yellow Fever, chikungunya, HIV, scrub typhus, etc.

Myth 3: Papaya leaf can cure dengue

Fact: Papaya leaf is associated with helping in the management of dengue. But, it cannot cure dengue. So, you can have it as a supplement with the prescribed medicines but cannot rely on it. This cannot treat dengue fever. Various studies have found that the use of papaya leaf can lead to a significant increase in platelet count in patients suffering from dengue fever.

Myth 4: Dengue fever cannot do any harm

Fact: There are both mild and severe kinds of dengue. Delay in treatment may lead to complications like breathing difficulty, liver infection, internal bleeding, etc. These symptoms may also lead to the death of a patient. One needs to get the proper treatment in the initial phase so he or she won’t be severely affected by the condition.

Myth 5: Only children and old individuals are susceptible to dengue fever

Fact: This is a big Myth in people's minds. Dengue can affect anyone regardless of age and gender. However, other issues related to age or having a prior history of the disease can affect the condition of the patient. They include having prior dengue fever and living in a tropical region.

 

Myth 6: I have Covid-19 now, I won't have dengue.

Fact: Though both dengue and Covid-19 have many similar symptoms. This is quite possible to be infected with both illnesses at the same time. If you're under the suspicion of being co-infected with both viruses, it's always a good idea to get tested for your safety and to keep your near ones safe.

Myth 7: Keeping your house clean can prevent you from getting dengue fever

Fact: Keeping your house clean is the best possible way to reduce the chances of getting infected, Though it does not guarantee that you will not get infected at all. If somebody in your neighborhood has a breeding ground for mosquitoes (stagnant water), an infected Aedes mosquito may fly into your house as well and infect you. Notably, the flight range of this mosquito is 400 meters. Therefore, it is always said that preventing the onset of dengue can only be a collective effort and not of an individual.