Second-time dengue: What happens when this mosquito-borne disease strikes twice?

Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, is sweeping by way of totally different components of the world, together with India. Attributable to the virus DENV, it’s transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and results in flu-like signs in people who find themselves contaminated. It has 4 distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), which implies an individual may be contaminated as much as 4 occasions. More often than not the signs are gentle, however extreme an infection can happen, particularly within the case of second-time dengue. It could result in organ harm, and even dying. Know why it may be lethal the second time.

Second-time dengue may be lethal

Hundreds of thousands of individuals are affected by this mosquito-borne illness. About 100 to 400 million dengue infections happen every year, placing about half of the world’s inhabitants prone to this illness, based on the World Well being Group (WHO).

It’s attributable to one of many 4 dengue virus serotypes or variations, that are transmitted by way of the bites of contaminated Aedes mosquitoes, notably Aedes aegypti. You will get immunity to one of many variations when you get contaminated with it. The excellent news is that your immune system will be capable of spot the an infection if it comes across the second time and struggle it off. Since your physique will know the best way to struggle that particular model, you’ll not get sick with it once more.

“However should you get contaminated with a unique serotype after the primary an infection, your immune response could assist the virus unfold extra successfully inside the physique,” says inside drugs and infectious ailments professional Dr Ankit Bansal. This will likely occur as a result of your immune system is just not conversant in the brand new model of the illness and should make the physique react in an aggressive method. This could additional result in dengue shock syndrome, which is extreme dengue and includes bleeding, plasma leakage, and shock. Individuals who get contaminated for the second time are at the next danger of extreme dengue, which may be life-threatening, as per the WHO. Throughout a examine revealed within the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and An infection in October 2024, the chance was discovered to be 7.8 % in individuals who have been contaminated the second time. It was simply 3.8 % in individuals who obtained contaminated the primary time.

Second-time dengue: Are the signs totally different from the first-time an infection?

“Dengue signs like excessive fever, extreme headache, ache behind the eyes, joint and muscle ache, and rash, usually seem 4 to 10 days after an infection,” says the professional. Signs in second an infection could also be related initially, however are sometimes extra extreme. Whereas each infections usually start with fever, headache, muscle ache, and rash, a second an infection will increase the chance of extreme signs.

In keeping with WHO, extreme dengue signs could embody:

• Extreme ache in stomach
• Persistent vomiting
• Speedy respiration
• Bleeding nostril
• Bleeding gums
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Blood in vomit
• Feeling very thirsty
• Chilly and pale pores and skin

These signs often begin within the 24 to 48 hours after the fever goes away, based on the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.

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“This is because of an enhanced immune response referred to as ‘antibody-dependent enhancement’, which makes the physique react extra aggressively,” says Dr Bansal. So, a second dengue an infection requires extra cautious monitoring and rapid medical intervention, particularly if the signs intensify.

Second-time dengue: Who’s at the next danger?

Stopping repeated infections is essential as subsequent infections are sometimes extra extreme and can lead to life-threatening problems. The next are at a larger danger:

• Individuals who reside in or journey to endemic areas are at excessive danger of repeated dengue infections resulting from frequent publicity to the virus.
• Folks with weak immune methods, reminiscent of younger kids and the aged, are extra vulnerable to problems from a second an infection.
• These beforehand contaminated with one serotype of DENV are at larger danger of extreme signs in the event that they contract one other serotype.

deal with extreme dengue?

There is no such thing as a drugs to deal with dengue fever, however acetaminophen or paracetamol often helps to handle the ache, says the professional. Ibuprofen or aspirin aren’t advisable, as they will enhance the chance of inside bleeding, which may be life-threatening. Folks with extreme dengue want rapid medical consideration, usually involving hospitalisation. The remedy focuses on:

• Sustaining correct fluid ranges to counteract dehydration and stop shock, in addition to monitoring for indicators of bleeding and organ operate points.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolyte administration are generally used to stabilise contaminated individuals.
• In case of extreme bleeding, blood transfusions could also be essential.

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“Steady monitoring by physician is important, particularly throughout the essential section when problems like plasma leakage, extreme bleeding, and organ impairment are almost certainly to happen,” says the professional. After recovering, people who find themselves contaminated could very really feel drained for a number of weeks.

To keep away from this, make efforts to forestall second-time dengue an infection by decreasing publicity to mosquitoes, use mosquito repellents, put on long-sleeved garments, and set up window screens. Dispose of standing water round your property, because it serves as a breeding floor for the Aedes mosquitoes. Whereas sleeping, don’t neglect to make use of mosquito nets and insecticide-treated mattress nets.