Viral Outbreaks Cost Billions
People as we know it are responsible for spreading diseases and with recent
outbreaks of dengue, swine and avian influenza, a very dangerous trend is
being observed, they are taking shorter periods to spread. Swine flu
pandemic has seen a very rapid spread of the disease throughout the world
from the small town in Mexico where it all began. All these recent viral
outbreaks is costing billions in losses due to lost business, absenteeism
and the fear of the spreading disease that tends to get people out pf the
streets fast. The pandemic status of Swine Flu quickly turned to that of
damage control for no means of containment was proving effective for the
virus was already out on the population. Swine flu has killed thousands but
it underlies the more imminent danger from dengue, a far deadlier disease
that has yet to get a vaccine out for the general public. And with recent
strains of these viruses showing quick immunity to just released anti-viral
drugs the job of researchers in finding cures that work is only getting
harder by the day.
Using Weather Data To Predict Outbreaks
Weather has been identified as the main culprit for the spread of the
tropical disease dengue fever which used to be restricted to areas in the
tropics. Using weather data, one of the most recorded and studied natural
phenomenon to predict outbreaks in the future has been seen to be one of the
most effective ways to base predictions for as we know, the earth is under
the spell of global warming. Like today’s recent weather, the ice caps in
the poles are melting and areas that used to be ice-locked are now seeing
sub-tropical weather thanks to erratic weather patterns. These weather
patterns, though erratic can be predicted and using some of the most-
powerful computers to run simulations it may be possible to make accurate
predictions on where the disease is more likely to hit next.
Climate Change Responsible for Dengue Spread
May 14, 2009
Filed under: Cure, Information, News, Prevention, Research, Treatment,
Vaccine — Nikko @ 12:52 pm
The mosquito scourge is dependent on certain environmental conditions to
survive and our meddling with nature as in the case of once arid lands,
turning them into lush farmland may be responsible for spreading the
disease. Mosquitoes thrive in tropical environments and with many tropical
areas already infected, taming other places that used to be too harsh for
them, where rainwater is so precious we try to collect each and every drop
turning them into havens for the virus carrying mosquito. (more…)
Dengue – Deadlier than Ever
Dengue infections have spread all over the world and in most cases, modern
hospital management and care manages to get the patient back to normal
health. The few who die from the disease are a unique bunch who develop a
sort of shock-syndrome to the virus, with their bodies reacting so violently
they present symptoms the alternate name of dengue is known, hemorrhagic
fever that can result in death. (more…)
Dengue Vaccine – Why the Urgency?
The outbreaks of many diseases that used to be contained in isolated
incidents has become a thing of the past, thanks to modern travel, mostly by
air which can reach all corners of the world in less than a day. The recent
outbreak of swine flu, a totally different virus more akin to the bird-flu
outbreak we had was a first time test of a virus that spread so fast it got
out of the containment level before authorities could react. Weaknesses have
been exposed and the many gaps of even the best funded government’s health
services put to the test. In the end, the world was unprepared for the
outbreak which has added to the many problem super-bugs we are now dealing
from dengue, avian and swine flu among some of the most recent. (more…)
The dangers of dengue
Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever (also known as break-bone fever)
are acute febrile diseases which may be severe and potentially deadly if not
treated immediately. Disease transmission is through the Aedes Aegypti
mosquito. Presently, there are four different viruses known to cause dengue
hemorrhagic fever to humans.
The dengue patient may experience irritation, restlessness, sweating, severe
headache, muscle and joint pains, fever, petechial rash, and ecchymosis.
There is still no known cure or vaccine for dengue. Treatments available are
increase fluid intake and administration of IV fluids and electrolytes to
correct electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, oxygen therapy to treat
abnormal low blood oxygen, and transfusion of fresh blood or platelets to
correct the bleeding problems. Rest is important for dengue patients. For
severe headache and joint and muscle pains, Acetaminophen and codeine may be
given. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided
to avoid bleeding problems.
New Multi-Component Vaccine Produced
Researchers have come up with a vaccine that is effective against the four
strains of the deadly disease that has proven effective on trials using
monkeys. Annually, there are a reported million cases of infection that
comes mostly from the tropics and people who have been to such areas. Two of
the four types are deadly, hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome the
tetravalent vaccine hopes to address. Proteins from all four viral strains
were combined along with an adenovirus agent that resulted in the vaccine
that promises to be the best yet.
Mutating Viruses – The Worst of Their Kind
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever(DHF) is actually an old virus that is considered to
be one of the most deadliest the world over due to their ability to jump
species. Spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, that is differentiated by
it’s daytime feeding habits, it has silently killed millions the world over.
The incubation period is short accompanied by severe fever that usually
lasts three days, after which, without proper monitoring and care death is
sure to occur. Mostly restricted to areas that are in the tropics zone due
to the inability of its host to survive in cold weather. Outbreaks have been
well documented and a cure is still out of sight. The disease is however
being tackled from different angles, one of them targets the disease at its
source, the mosquito which can be infected with a virus that halves its
lifespan thus lessening its ability to spread it by half. The danger came
when man invented mass travel wherein people and machines could transport
the disease carrying mosquitoes all over the globe.
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At all times
Turn pails and watering cans over and store them under shelter.
Remove water in plant pot plates. Clean and scrub the plate thoroughly
to remove mosquito eggs. Avoid the use of plant pot plates, if possible.
Loosen soil from potted plants to prevent the accumulation of stagnant
water on the surface of the hardened soil.
Do not block the flow of water in scupper drains along common corridors
in HDB estates. Avoid placing potted plants and other paraphernalia over the
scupper drains.
Cover rarely used gully traps. Replace the gully trap with non-
perforated ones and install anti-mosquito valves.
Cover bamboo pole holders after use. Rainwater can potentially
accumulate in these bamboo pole holders if they are uncovered and create a
habitat.
No tray or receptacles should be placed beneath and or/ on top of any
air-conditioning unit so as not to create a condition favourable for
mosquito breeding.
Every other day
Change water in flower vases. Clean and scrub the inner sides of vases.
Wash roots of flowers and plants thoroughly as mosquito eggs can stick to
them easily.
Once a week
Clear fallen leaves and stagnant water in your scupper drains and
garden. These leaves could collect water or cause blockages to the drains,
thus resulting in the buildup of stagnant water.
.
Clear any stagnant water in your air cooler unit.
Once a month
Add prescribed amounts of sand granular insecticide into vases, gully
traps and roof gutters, even if they are dry. You can see the list of
retailers who carry sand granular insecticides in their stores at this
webpage: http://www.nea.gov.sg/aedes/insecticides
Clear away fallen leaves in roof gutters and apron drains. If
structurally feasible, remove the roof gutters.
Mosquito Repellant: A household necessity
During the rainy season mosquito flourishes and stagnant water builds up
that can be the can be their breeding ground. They can also breed in water-
filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year round. Most kids especially
in school and are prone to this conditions our advised to wear long pants
and long sleeves. For personal protection, they are asked to use mosquito
repellant sprays or lotions that contain DEET like Off Lotion for kids by
Johnson and Johnson that is so effective with non greasy feel.
One mosquito bite can inflict the disease called Dengue Fever. A virus
contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito that has
previously bitten an infected person. This mosquito is a daytime biter with
peak periods of biting around sunrise and sunset. It may bite at any time of
the day and is often hidden inside homes or other dwellings, especially in
urban areas.
The prevention of dengue requires control or eradication of the mosquitoes
carrying the virus that causes dengue. In places plagued by dengue fever,
people are urged to empty stagnant water from old tires, trash cans, and
flower pots. Governmental initiatives to decrease mosquitoes also help to
keep the disease in check but have been poorly effective.
If bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the incubation period ranges
from three to 15 (usually five to eight) days before the signs and symptoms
of dengue appear. Dengue starts with chills, headache, pain upon moving the
eyes, and low backache. Painful aching in the legs and joints occurs during
the first hours of illness. The temperature rises quickly as high as 104° F
(40° C), with relative low heart rate (bradycardia) and low blood pressure
(hypotension). The eyes become reddened. A flushing or pale pink rash comes
over the face and then disappears. The glands (lymph nodes) in the neck and
groin are often swollen. Fever and other signs of dengue last for two to
four days, followed by rapid drop in temperature (defervescence) with
profuse sweating. This precedes a period with normal temperature and a sense
of well-being that lasts about a day. A second rapid rise in temperature
follows. A characteristic rash appears along with the fever and spreads from
the extremities to cover the entire body except the face. The palms and
soles may be bright red and swollen. If this signs show kindly consult a
doctor and have your blood tested for accurate diagnosis.
The Dengue Fever virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from
person to person. There must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person
pathway. There is currently no vaccine available for dengue fever because it
is caused by a virus; there is no specific medicine or antibiotic to treat
it. For typical dengue, the treatment is purely concerned with relief of the
symptoms (symptomatic). Rest and fluid intake for adequate hydration is
important. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be
avoided. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and codeine may be given for severe
headache and for the joint and muscle pain (myalgia).
There is a vaccine undergoing clinical trials, but it is too early to tell
if it will be safe or effective.
