Dengue Symptoms: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Insurance Coverage

Dengue fever is emerging as a serious public health threat across the globe, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. It is one of the rapidly spreading mosquito-borne diseases. The increasing incidence of outbreaks has made understanding and managing dengue symptoms crucial. This article delves into a detailed discussion of dengue treatments, symptoms, preventions, and insurance for dengue patients.

In India, dengue is quite an alarming concern and is at its peak during the monsoon from June to September. As of 2024, India has registered a total of 19,447 dengue cases and the deaths have reached at least around 16, according to the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) report. The Health Ministry claims that the dengue case fatality rates have decreased from 3.3% in 1996 to 0.1%.

Definition and Overview

Dengue, also known as break-bone fever, is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti. The dengue virus can infect humans at 25–28°C and incubates in mosquitoes for about 8–12 days.

Serotype of Dengue Virus and Transmission

Dengue virus has four serotypes; these are distinct variations of the disease.

1. DEN-1
2. DEN-2
3. DEN-3
4. DEN-4

Transmission occurs through infected mosquito bites, involving the following steps:

1. A female Aedes Mosquito becomes infected by feeding on an already infected person.
2. The virus undergoes incubation and multiplication within the human body over 8-12 days.
3. Infected mosquitoes transmit the disease to humans through biting.
4. During the acute phase of infection, the dengue virus circulates in human blood, allowing mosquitoes to acquire the virus.
5. The cycle perpetuates as infected mosquitoes continue to transmit the virus, facilitating the spread of dengue fever.

Global Prevalence and Risk Area

Dengue fever is spread by the spread of Aedes mosquitoes in new regions. Factors such as urbanisation, climate change, and increased global travel facilitate mosquito transmission. This fever outbreak has affected more than 80 countries and is currently endemic in over 100 countries.

Recognising Symptoms

Recognising dengue symptoms is essential for timely intervention. Common indicators are as follows:

1. High fever [104°F (40°C)]
2. Severe headaches
3. Pain behind the eyes
4. Muscle pain
5. Bone and joint pains 
6. Nausea 
7. Vomiting
8. Swollen glands
9. Rashes

Difference Between Mild and Severe Dengue

Most of the time, the dengue infection is mild, but in a few cases, it can turn into a severe dengue. Severe dengue is also known as dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Some of the symptoms of severe dengue infection are blood vessel leakage or damage, a significant drop in platelet counts, organ failure, and internal bleeding.

In case of severe dengue symptoms, prompt medical intervention is life-saving. After the fever decreases, if there are any signs of bleeding, irresistible stomach pain, or persistent vomiting, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Treatment Options

Early detection of the disease enables better management and helps control progression to more severe forms. Following the initial fever phase, monitoring symptom changes becomes crucial.

Typically, dengue treatment can be easily managed at home with measures such as taking paracetamol to control fever and pain, ensuring proper rest, and staying well-hydrated. It’s vital to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention for severe symptoms. Hospitalisation is necessary for severe cases, as they require critical care. 

Practical Strategies to Prevent Dengue Fever

• Personal Protection: Personal protective measures should be adopted to lower the risk of dengue, such as using mosquito repellents and wearing clothing that covers most of the body.
• Mosquito Control Strategies and Public Awareness: Effective mosquito control strategies are crucial for managing dengue transmission as it involves environmental management, biological and chemical control, and source reduction. Public awareness also plays an important role in managing and controlling dengue spread, as communities can collectively maintain clean surroundings and prevent mosquito breeding.
• The Role of Vaccination in Prevention: Vaccination is not currently present in every country, but Dengvaxia is one of the vaccines that can prevent dengue fever.

Insurance for Dengue Patients

Insurance for dengue patients is a kind of health coverage that takes care of the medical expenses associated with dengue fever. This enables you to receive a financial boost by helping you cover your expenses related to dengue treatment. The cost of treating dengue is about ₹30,000 on an average depending upon the treatment and diagnosis. The process for dengue insurance claim settlement is simple: simply inform the insurance company within 7 days from your day of treatment by submitting a completely filled-out claim form and all required documents.

Key Features of Insurance for Dengue Patients

• In-patient hospitalisation costs, including room rent, transfusion charges, ICU fees, etc.
• Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenditures are covered for 15 days.
• Outpatient expenditures include OPD consultation and treatment costs, diagnostic treatment fees, pharmacy expenses, and home nursing.
  

Key Takeaways

Throughout the article, we have navigated the important facts of dengue fever, from recognising symptoms and diagnosing it to treatment avenues and the crucial role insurance plays in mitigating the financial burden. In light of these discussions, it is noticeable that a multifaceted approach, effective medical intervention, and community engagement and awareness are essential to controlling dengue. In light of these insights, consider using PhonePe to find the right health insurance plan, which can help cover treatment costs and offer financial protection against the impact of dengue fever.