Picture this: It’s 1996, and people in and around Delhi are starting to feel really sick. They’ve got high fevers, terrible headaches, and even bleeding gums. Doctors are puzzled. They’re seeing a lot of these cases, and some people are getting really, really sick.
After a lot of tests and research, they figured out what was going on: a nasty little bug called the dengue virus was behind it all. It was like a tiny, invisible enemy that was making a big comeback. This was actually the biggest dengue outbreak anyone had seen in India up until then. It was a wake-up call, showing us that this virus was a serious threat and could cause a lot of trouble.
Source: vecteezy.com
Data from the Central government’s National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control shows that in last 3 yrs, there were over 5.20L dengue cases, 740 deaths.
You’ve probably heard of dengue fever. It’s that pesky bug that leaves you feeling like you’ve been run over by a truck. But did you know there’s a darker side to this illness? It’s called dengue shock syndrome, and it’s like the evil twin of dengue fever. This sneaky little condition can sneak up on you when you least expect it, turning a simple fever into a full-blown crisis. Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets of this silent threat!
Types of Dengues
There are four different dengue viruses:
- Dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1)
- Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2)
- Dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3)
- Dengue virus type 4 (DENV-4)
These viruses cause the following:
- Mild Dengue Fever
- Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)
- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
Deadly Dengues
If you are a weak person, it will affect you severely. Following are the deadliest and often people die from that with very less time to fight with it.
- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
- Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)
So, what exactly happens when dengue takes a sinister turn?
Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a serious complication of dengue fever. It can be fatal if not treated promptly. DSS occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to the dengue virus, leading to damage to blood vessels. This damage causes them to become leaky, resulting in a sharp drop in blood pressure and shock.
Was that a bit heavy? Let’s make this easier..
Imagine your body as a busy city. Blood vessels are the roads, carrying essential supplies (oxygen and nutrients) to every corner. When you have dengue, it’s like a tiny traffic jam starts to form. But in dengue shock syndrome, this traffic jam turns into a full-blown disaster. The roads (blood vessels) become leaky, and the traffic (blood) starts to slow down dramatically. This can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and that’s when things get really scary.
Your body is like a machine, and every part needs to work together. When your blood pressure plummets, it’s like cutting off the power supply to your organs. Your heart races to compensate, you start breathing rapidly, and your skin might feel cold and clammy. It’s a full-on emergency situation.
Scary, right? But don’t panic. Knowledge is power. Let’s talk about how to spot the warning signs and what you can do to protect yourself.
What are the symptoms of DSS?
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Bleeding gums
- Easy bruising
How does DSS happen?
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The dengue virus incubates in the mosquito for about a week. When an infected mosquito bites a human, the virus is transmitted to the person’s bloodstream. Clearly we know here, the trouble has already begun!
The dengue virus replicates in the body’s cells, causing the symptoms of dengue fever. In some people, the immune system overreacts to the virus, leading to damage to blood vessels. This damage causes them to become leaky, resulting in a sharp drop in blood pressure and shock.
One real case from Sept, 2023:
On a Sunday, a woman developed a fever and self-medicated with Nicip Plus. While the medication initially provided relief, it subsequently suppressed the fever, potentially worsening her condition.
For the next two to three days, she endured nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain. Despite her discomfort, she chose to manage her symptoms at home.
On Wednesday evening, concerned about her persistent symptoms, she consulted a general physician. Unfortunately, the prescribed medication proved ineffective.
That night, her condition deteriorated rapidly with worsening stomach pain and difficulty breathing so she came out in a hall to sleep from her bedroom to breathe more air, thinking that the medicines might be taking time to heal, but it didn’t work. She returned to the doctor the following morning.
A blood pressure reading of 100/70 prompted immediate hospitalization in the ICU of a nearby multi-specialty hospital. A dengue diagnosis was confirmed.
Despite aggressive treatment, her blood pressure remained dangerously low. The following night, she experienced excruciating pain, far more severe than before.
Transferred to a specialized facility, she underwent extensive medical interventions as her organs began to fail. Doctors there tried all their ways to save her but sadly, she succumbed to the disease.
How can you prevent DSS?
This might sound too straight but the best way to prevent DSS is to prevent dengue fever.
- Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants when outdoors.
- Use mosquito repellent when outdoors.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
- Keep your living area clean and free of mosquito breeding sites.
In India, especially during monsoons, one can be really susceptible to being infected. No specific antiviral therapy or any licensed vaccine is available for dengue infection.
- If you think you may have DSS, seek medical attention immediately! (especially and more importantly, when you have low blood pressure)
- DSS is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
- Treatment for DSS includes:
- Intravenous fluids to restore blood volume
- Blood transfusions
- Medications to manage symptoms
- Pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Conclusion
Dengue shock syndrome might seem like a scary beast, but armed with knowledge, you’re not powerless.
Remember, early detection is key. If you or someone you know experiences severe symptoms like a sudden drop in blood pressure, rapid breathing, or persistent vomiting, don’t hesitate to seek medical help immediately. Every minute counts.
By understanding the risks and taking precautions, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to this silent threat. So, stay vigilant, protect yourself from mosquito bites, and know the signs. Because when it comes to dengue shock syndrome, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Additional Tips
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Avoid strenuous activity.
- Reduce habitat available for mosquitoes to breed.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help relieve fever and pain.
- Do not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
Additional Resources
- World Health Organization
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Although we have tried to make it factually correct, please consult with a healthcare professional for any medical concerns.