Dengue and Monsoon Fevers in Bengaluru: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Every monsoon, Bengaluru sees a rise in fevers caused by dengue, viral infections, malaria and typhoid. Most people recover well with rest and timely care, but dengue in particular needs careful watching.

How dengue spreads

Dengue is caused by a virus spread by the Aedes mosquito, which breeds in clean, stagnant water and usually bites during the daytime. Water collecting in flower pots, overhead tank lids, discarded tyres, coconut shells, construction sites and even fridge trays can become breeding spots.

Common symptoms

Symptoms usually start four to ten days after a mosquito bite.

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
• Body ache, joint and muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
• Rash appearing a few days into the illness
• Extreme tiredness

Many other monsoon fevers have similar symptoms, so testing is important. A Dengue NS1 test is most useful in the first five days of fever, along with a complete blood count to check platelets.

Warning signs that need urgent care

The most risky phase often begins as the fever comes down, usually around days three to seven. Go to a hospital immediately if you or a family member notice:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Bleeding from gums or nose, blood in vomit or stools, or black stools
• Unusual drowsiness, restlessness or confusion
• Cold, clammy skin or fainting
• Fast or difficult breathing
• Passing very little urine for several hours

Children, pregnant women, older adults and people with diabetes, heart or kidney disease need closer monitoring.

Be careful with fever medicines

This is one of the most important points to remember. In suspected dengue, do not take painkillers known as NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen or aspirin. These can increase the risk of bleeding and affect the kidneys.

Paracetamol is generally the medicine used for fever and body pain in dengue, but only in the dose advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Taking too much paracetamol can harm the liver, so do not exceed the recommended amount and check that you are not taking it in more than one product, such as cold and flu combinations.

Avoid antibiotics unless a doctor prescribes them, since dengue is a viral illness.

Care at home

If your doctor says it is safe to recover at home:

• Rest well and avoid exertion
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water, ORS, coconut water, buttermilk, soups and fresh juices
• Eat light, easily digestible food
• Keep track of how much you drink and how often you pass urine
• Go for repeat blood tests as advised

There is no proven home remedy that cures dengue or raises platelets reliably. Rely on medical monitoring rather than unverified remedies.

Other monsoon fevers

Malaria often causes fever with chills and sweating, and needs specific medicines after a confirmed test. Typhoid tends to cause a fever that rises over several days, often with stomach upset, and spreads through contaminated food and water. Viral fevers and flu are also common. A doctor can advise the right tests based on your symptoms.

Prevent mosquito bites

• Empty and scrub water containers at least once a week
• Cover water tanks and buckets tightly
• Use mosquito repellent, nets and window screens
• Wear full-sleeved clothes, especially during the day
• Support your apartment or neighbourhood in clearing stagnant water

When to see a doctor

Any fever lasting more than two days, or any fever with the warning signs above, needs medical attention. Please consult a doctor early rather than waiting it out, and never self-medicate with painkillers during a suspected dengue fever.