Dengue and rainy-season fevers: signs and prevention

With rain expected in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, stagnant water can breed Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue. These mosquitoes bite mainly during the day.

Dengue usually begins four to ten days after a bite with sudden high fever, a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and sometimes a rash. Most people recover in about a week.

Seek medical help urgently if you have severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, extreme tiredness or restlessness, or rapid breathing. These warning signs often appear when the fever starts to fall.

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen-type painkillers unless a doctor advises it, because they can raise the risk of bleeding. Ask a doctor about fever medicine and tests.

Prevention is simple: empty and dry coolers, buckets, tyres and flower pots at least once a week, cover water containers, use mosquito nets or repellents, and wear long sleeves in the daytime.

General information, not medical advice. Please see a doctor for any health concern.