Mumps and hearing loss
Box: Understanding Dengue In Children
The incubation period for dengue is 3 to 14 days, with symptoms typically developing between 4 and 7 days after the bite of an infected mosquitoIn the initial period, identified as the febrile phase, children report sudden high-grade fever, often accompanied by vomiting and body painRashes may develop on the body, with puffiness on the face and sometimes bruising on the bodySome children reach a critical phase after three to seven days of infection, where there is a rapid fall in platelet count, changes in BP and pulse. In extreme cases, bleeding, shock and organ impairment are reported.Several symptoms are similar in chikungunya, but the primary sign is severe body and joint painBoth diseases are identified through lab blood testsExperts suggest consulting a physician if fever does not subside with normal medication after 24 hours.Precision In Dengue Diagnosis: The Role Of NS1 Antigen And IgM/IgG Tests
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Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes, is a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Early detection is essential for effective management and reducing mortality rates associated with severe dengue cases. Diagnosing dengue poses significant challenges due to its overlapping symptoms with other febrile illnesses, particularly in early stages. Rapid and accurate differentiation is critical for effective treatment and outbreak management. Limited access to reliable diagnostic tools in endemic regions further complicates timely detection and appropriate clinical response. NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG antibody tests have emerged as crucial tools that enhance the diagnostic accuracy of dengue. Before we dive into the details about how effective these tests are in diagnosing Dengue let's look at the phases of its onset. Phases of Symptomatic Dengue--Febrile Phase: Dengue symptoms start abruptly after 5–7-day incubation period, with a 3-phase course: febrile, critical, and convalescent. The febrile phase includes a 2–7-day fever, severe headache, retro-orbital pain, muscle pain, rash, and minor hemorrhagic symptoms (e.G., bleeding gums). Warning signs for severe dengue, such as severe abdominal pain and mucosal bleeding, may appear as the fever subsides.
--Critical Phase: The critical phase begins at defervescence, lasting 24–48 hours. While most improve, significant plasma leakage can lead to severe dengue, shock, and death. Severe hemorrhagic symptoms and organ complications can occur.
--Convalescent Phase: As plasma leakage stops, patients recover with reabsorbed fluids, stabilised hemodynamics, and rising white cell and platelet counts. The rash might desquamate and itch.NS1 Antigen Test: Rapid and Early Detection
The NS1 (non-structural protein 1) antigen test plays a pivotal role in early dengue detection. NS1 is a glycoprotein produced by the dengue virus in the early stages of infection. This test detects NS1 protein in the blood within the first few days of symptom onset, even before antibodies develop. According to the World Health Organisation, NS1 antigen testing significantly enhances early diagnosis capabilities, enabling prompt clinical management and reducing severe outcomes.
Data from clinical studies indicate that NS1 antigen testing can detect dengue infection with a sensitivity ranging from 60 per cent to 90 per cent and specificity exceeding 95 per cent when performed in the first few days of illness. This high sensitivity ensures minimal false negatives during the critical early phase of infection, enhancing the likelihood of accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management.IgM/IgG Antibody Tests: Confirmatory and Serological Diagnosis
Following the initial phase of infection, the body produces specific antibodies against the dengue virus, namely IgM and IgG. IgM antibodies are detectable typically from around 3 to 5 days after symptom onset and persist for several weeks, while IgG antibodies develop later and provide long-term immunity.
IgM/IgG antibody tests are crucial for confirming dengue infection and differentiating between primary and secondary infections. Primary infections show a predominant IgM response, while secondary infections exhibit a robust IgG response due to previous exposure to different dengue serotypes.
Studies cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that IgM antibody testing demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, essential for confirming dengue infection in endemic regions where multiple flaviviruses circulate (Source: CDC).The combined use of NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG antibody tests offers a comprehensive approach to dengue diagnosis. Early NS1 antigen detection aids in rapid identification of acute dengue cases, facilitating timely clinical intervention. Subsequent IgM/IgG antibody testing confirms the diagnosis, determines the infection phase, and helps predict disease severity.
In endemic regions where dengue outbreaks are prevalent, integrating these diagnostic tests into healthcare protocols has proven instrumental in outbreak management and surveillance. The ability to promptly identify and isolate dengue cases helps prevent further transmission and reduces the burden on healthcare systems during peak transmission seasons.Final Say
Early detection of dengue through NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG antibody tests significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy and clinical management. These tests provide healthcare providers with essential tools for timely intervention, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with severe dengue cases. As diagnostic technologies evolve and become more accessible, their role in combating dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases becomes increasingly crucial. By leveraging data-driven insights and leveraging diagnostic advancements, healthcare systems can effectively mitigate the impact of dengue outbreaks, improving public health outcomes globally.
The article is written by Dr Shelly Mahajan, Lab Director and Clinical Lead of Mahajan Imaging & Labs
(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld.Com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.Com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
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DOH: Dengue Cases Rise To Over 18K In July
By GISELLE OMBAY, GMA Integrated News
Published August 8, 2024 9:39am
Dengue cases in the country showed a continuous uptrend this rainy season as it hit the 18,000 mark in July, based on the latest data by the Department of Health (DOH).
A total of 18,349 cases were recorded from June 30-July 13, which was higher than the 12,153 cases from June 16-29.
Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Cagayan Valley, and Calabarzon all had a steady rise in dengue cases in the six-week period leading to July 27.
Year over year, DOH said that the cases jumped by 33% from 97,211 cases in 2023 to 128,834 cases in 2024.
DOH, however, noted fewer deaths due to dengue this year at 337, as compared to the 378 deaths during the same period last year.
"The DOH sees the lower number of deaths this year, despite the higher number of cases, as an indication of people seeking early consultation, and hospitals doing better case management," the agency said.
The most common symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes. Some may also experience pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and swollen glands.
Symptoms start 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite.
The DOH has been reminding the public to practice the 4S strategy against dengue: Search and destroy breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas, especially now that the rainy season is here.
Leptospirosis
As to leptospirosis, DOH said 67 cases were logged from July 14-27, but there are likely to be only delayed reports.
A total of 1,444 leptospirosis cases were recorded this year from January 1 to July 27. This was 42% lower compared to the 2,505 cases in the same period last year.
There have also been 162 deaths due to leptospirosis so far this year.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa earlier warned that cases of leptospirosis are expected to increase as the heavy rains due to Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, resulted in severe flooding in parts of Luzon two weeks ago.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by animals like rodents. Infected animal urine like those from infected rats could mix with flood water during heavy rains, and could therefore enter the human body of those wading through floods.
Its symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache.
The incubation period of leptospirosis may range from 2 to 30 days, usually showing symptoms around 1-2 weeks after exposure to contaminated flood waters. --VAL, GMA Integrated News
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