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Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by dengue virus that comes from the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its primary symptoms include muscle and joint pains, skin rashes, headaches and recurring fever.

305 Questions

What is the Platelet count with dengue virus?

The fever is caused by mosquito bites. Mosquito acts as a carrier of the Dengue Virus. The virus's main effect is on the PLATELET production. Normally a platelet in our body lasts for about 5 to 10 days and the body replenishes them when required. This virus DESTROYS THE BODY's CAPACITY TO PRODUCE NEW PLATELETs (during the period it is effective). The PLATELET count for a normal person varies from 150,000 - 250,000 per μl (micro litre = mm3 or cubic millimetres) of blood. On getting infected a patient's PLATELET COUNT STARTS FALLING. A PLATELET count BELOW 100,000 per μl (mm3) is ALARMING - immediate medical attention is required. A PLATELET count BELOW 50,000 can be FATAL.

Note: A fall in platelet count PREVENTS FORMATION OF CLOTS - and this leads to HAEMORRHAGE - which results in both INTERNAL & EXTERNAL BLEEDING - once bleeding starts the situation is almost IRRECOVERABLE.

Which component of blood is checked during the blood test for Dengue?

To identify the disease Dengue blood tests are done. During these tests, the platelet count of the blood is checked. If the patient have Dengue, the platelet can be very low than the normal level.

Steps taken to minimise dengue fever by the government?

Control of dengue fever currently relies on control of the mosquito vectors through mosquito nets, parasiticide sprays and removal of standing water from areas around human settlements.

There are many researchers around the world working on treatments and vaccines for dengue fever, although nothing has yet been found effective enough to be implemented on a large scale.

What is a dengue outbreak?

Dengue fever is an infectious viral disease caused by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Symptoms are sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, extreme joint pain (thus the vernacular name, bone break fever).

Note that DF is comparatively rare and rarely fatal when it does occur.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever and yellow fever?

If you catch yellow fever, you get a sudden fever and headache. If the yellow fever turns into a bad case, you then become extremely tired and get bleeding into the skin, slow heartbeat, back pains, and vomiting. About half the people who get bad cases die.

Typically, people infected with dengue virus are asymptomatic (80%) or only have mild symptoms such as an uncomplicated fever. Other go to a complicated stage with a rash and hemorrhage.

What is the slogan for dengue prevention?

mas maganda magpakagat na lang sa lamok. para maganda, mamatay na tayong lahat, wala ng makakagat yung lamok, edi wala ng lamok kasi mamatay din sila. kaylangan mamatay yung tao para mamatay din yung lamok kasi wala na silang makakagat.

Why there is fever if the patient has Dengue?

Fever is one of the hallmark symptoms of dengue fever, a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. There are several reasons why fever occurs in dengue patients:

  • Viral Replication: Dengue virus replicates inside the human body after being transmitted through a mosquito bite. As the virus multiplies, it triggers an immune response. Fever is a common immune response to viral infections. When the body detects the presence of the virus, it raises its internal temperature as a defense mechanism to help fight off the infection.

  • Cytokine Release: Dengue fever can lead to a phenomenon known as a cytokine storm. This is an excessive immune response characterized by the release of a large number of cytokines (small proteins) that play a key role in inflammation. The excessive release of cytokines can lead to a fever and other symptoms like joint pain and muscle aches.

  • Vascular Permeability: In severe cases of dengue, the virus can affect the permeability of blood vessels, causing leakage of plasma from the blood vessels into surrounding tissues. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure and shock, a condition known as dengue shock syndrome. Fever is one of the early signs of this syndrome.

  • Immune Response: As the immune system continues to respond to the virus, it produces antibodies to fight the infection. This immune response can also contribute to the fever and other symptoms.

It's important to note that not all cases of dengue fever are severe, and not everyone with dengue will experience the same symptoms. Some individuals may have mild cases with relatively low-grade fevers, while others may develop more severe forms of the disease with high fevers and potentially life-threatening complications. If someone suspects they have dengue fever, it's important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management, especially in areas where dengue is endemic. Dengue can be a serious illness, and early detection and medical care can significantly improve outcomes.

How can you harness chikungunya and dengue through an integrated environment safe approach?

HARNESSING CHIKUNGUNYA & DENGUE- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT SAFE APPROACH * Sreejith A., **Dr. Lakshmanan S Recent outbreaks and resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases such as Chickungunya and dengue in parts of Indian peninsula, especially in state of Kerala, which boasts an efficient healthcare system, is an outcome of extensive mosquito breeding under situations of unsustainable environment management. Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an RNA virus, alphavirus (Fam:Togoviridae) that is spread by mosquito bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claims the virus has suffered a mutation that enables it to be transmitted by Aedes aegypti , Aedes albopictus (Tiger mosquito). Dengue Fever (DF), an outbreak prone viral disease is transmitted by Aedesmosquitoes. DF is characterized by fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, nausea and vomiting. Some infection results in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) - a syndrome that in its severe form can threaten the patient's life primarily through increased vascular permeability and shock. The four-dengue viruses DEN 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are closely related antigenically, causes DF and DHF. Aedes aegypti is the main vector species of DF/DHF in India and is common in most of the urban areas on account of deficient water management, presence of nondegradable tyres and long-lasting plastic containers as well as increasing urban agglomerations and inability of the public health community to mobilize the population to respond to the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Overhead tanks, ground water storage tanks and septic tanks are usually the primary habitats where the Aedes sp. breeds almost entirely. Natural larval habitats are rare, but include tree holes, leaf axles and coconut shells. The population of Aedes aegypti fluctuates with rainfall temperature and humidity. Under the optimal conditions the life cycle of aquatic stage of the Aedes aegypti (the time taken from hatching to adult emergence) can be as short as seven days. At low temperatures, however, it may take several weeks for adults to emerge. With the rise in global temperature as a result of Global climate change, which is evident during the past two months in the state of Kerala, may be one of the many reasons for extensive multiplication of arthropod vectors like Aedes sp. During the rainy season, when survival is longer, the risk of virus transmission is greater. The rural spread of Aedes is a relatively recent occurrence associated with expanding network of rural water supply schemes and other development projects without health and environmental impact assessments, scarcity of water with consequent water storage, changing lifestyle with improper use of air coolers and indiscriminate use of disposable containers, bottles, etc, increased the spread. Therefore, the key to control vector borne diseases is adoption of a comprehensive approach by way of regular vector surveillance and integrated management of the Aedes mosquitoes through environmental, biological and chemical control that are safe and cost effective; Environmental Management The major environmental management methods used for control of immature stages of Aedes sp. is: * Environmental modification: Long lasting physical transformation of vector habitats. * For example, improved water supply, mosquito proofing of overhead tanks, cisterns or underground reservoirs. * Environmental manipulation: Temporary changes to vector habitats that involve the management of essential. and non-essential. containers and management of or removal of natural breeding sites. * Changes in human habitations: Efforts are made to reduce man-virus contact by mosquito proofing of houses with screens on doors/windows. Biological Control * Larvivorous fish are recommended for control of Aedes aegypti in large water bodies or large water containers. * Endotoxin-producing bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) serotype H-14 (Bt H-14) has been found an effective mosquito control agent. Management at Household, Community and Institutional Level: Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during daytime. Adult mosquitoes should be killed by using of commercially available safe aerosols (Pyrethroid-based). Rooms including closets, bathrooms and kitchens should be sprayed (by removing/covering all food items properly) for a few minutes and closing the room for 15-20 minutes. The timing of the spray should coincide with the peak biting time of the Aedes aegyptimosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Taking personal protection measures like wearing protective clothing (full sleeved shirts & full pants during day time) and using mosquito nets, preferably insecticide treated ones, while sleeping, even during daytime. * Using commercially available repellents during daytime. * Using mosquito repellents or burning neem leaves, coconut shells and husk to kill or repel the mosquitoes. * Using tight-fitting screens/wire mesh on doors and windows. * Covering all water containers in the house and water storage structures to prevent fresh egg laying by the vector. * Emptying, drying water tanks, containers, coolers, bird baths, pets water bowls, plant pots, drip trays at least once each week. * Regularly checking for clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage. * Launch awareness campaigns on vector borne diseases and seek cooperation for prevention of mosquito breeding and protection from mosquito bites. * Keeping the surroundings clean and improving basic sanitation measures. * Cleaning weeds and tall grass to reduce available outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes near houses. * In case water containers cannot be emptied, applying Temephos (1 ppm) on weekly basis in coordination with the Health authorities. * Introducing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) dunks, larvivorous fishes (e.g., Gambusia / Guppy) in abandoned water bodies and ponds. * Carrying out Indoor Space spraying with Pyrethrum 2%. The timing of the spray should coincide with the biting time of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Carrying out fogging or Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spray by using 95% or pure technical malathion. = Conclusion = It is essential to built public-private partnership of hospitals, non-health sector departments including schools/colleges, civil society organizations (NGOs, Faith Based Organizations and Community Based Organizations like Residents Welfare Organizations, Self-Help Groups), Panchayati Raj Institutions/Municipal Bodies or such like local self-governments, local Religious Bodies, Nehru Yuvak Kendras, NSS/NCC units in schools and colleges as well as professional associations and corporate sector to accomplish successful vector control programme on a sustainable basis. References Guidelines For Integrated Vector Management For Control Of Dengue / Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, NVBDCP, Delhi HHS Publication No. (CDC) (99-xxxx) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Lumsden WHR (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; II. General Description and Epidemiology". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 33-57. Robinson Marion (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; I. Clinical Features". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 28-32. Vanlandingham DL, Hong C, Klingler K, Tsetsarkin K, McElroy KL, Powers AM, Lehane MJ, Higgs S (2005). "Differential infectivities of o'nyong-nyong and chikungunya virus isolates in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes". Am J Trop Med Hyg 72 (5): 616-21. PubMed. *Author is currently working as Project Officer, World Wide Fund for Nature - India ** Co-author is a practising Physician in Social and Preventive Medicine at PRS Hospital, Trivandrum. HARNESSING CHIKUNGUNYA & DENGUE- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT SAFE APPROACH * Sreejith A., **Dr. Lakshmanan S Recent outbreaks and resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases such as Chickungunya and dengue in parts of Indian peninsula, especially in state of Kerala, which boasts an efficient healthcare system, is an outcome of extensive mosquito breeding under situations of unsustainable environment management. Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an RNA virus, alphavirus (Fam:Togoviridae) that is spread by mosquito bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claims the virus has suffered a mutation that enables it to be transmitted by Aedes aegypti , Aedes albopictus (Tiger mosquito). Dengue Fever (DF), an outbreak prone viral disease is transmitted by Aedesmosquitoes. DF is characterized by fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, nausea and vomiting. Some infection results in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) - a syndrome that in its severe form can threaten the patient's life primarily through increased vascular permeability and shock. The four-dengue viruses DEN 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are closely related antigenically, causes DF and DHF. Aedes aegypti is the main vector species of DF/DHF in India and is common in most of the urban areas on account of deficient water management, presence of nondegradable tyres and long-lasting plastic containers as well as increasing urban agglomerations and inability of the public health community to mobilize the population to respond to the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Overhead tanks, ground water storage tanks and septic tanks are usually the primary habitats where the Aedes sp. breeds almost entirely. Natural larval habitats are rare, but include tree holes, leaf axles and coconut shells. The population of Aedes aegypti fluctuates with rainfall temperature and humidity. Under the optimal conditions the life cycle of aquatic stage of the Aedes aegypti (the time taken from hatching to adult emergence) can be as short as seven days. At low temperatures, however, it may take several weeks for adults to emerge. With the rise in global temperature as a result of Global climate change, which is evident during the past two months in the state of Kerala, may be one of the many reasons for extensive multiplication of arthropod vectors like Aedes sp. During the rainy season, when survival is longer, the risk of virus transmission is greater. The rural spread of Aedes is a relatively recent occurrence associated with expanding network of rural water supply schemes and other development projects without health and environmental impact assessments, scarcity of water with consequent water storage, changing lifestyle with improper use of air coolers and indiscriminate use of disposable containers, bottles, etc, increased the spread. Therefore, the key to control vector borne diseases is adoption of a comprehensive approach by way of regular vector surveillance and integrated management of the Aedes mosquitoes through environmental, biological and chemical control that are safe and cost effective; Environmental Management The major environmental management methods used for control of immature stages of Aedes sp. is: * Environmental modification: Long lasting physical transformation of vector habitats. * For example, improved water supply, mosquito proofing of overhead tanks, cisterns or underground reservoirs. * Environmental manipulation: Temporary changes to vector habitats that involve the management of essential. and non-essential. containers and management of or removal of natural breeding sites. * Changes in human habitations: Efforts are made to reduce man-virus contact by mosquito proofing of houses with screens on doors/windows. Biological Control * Larvivorous fish are recommended for control of Aedes aegypti in large water bodies or large water containers. * Endotoxin-producing bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) serotype H-14 (Bt H-14) has been found an effective mosquito control agent. Management at Household, Community and Institutional Level: Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during daytime. Adult mosquitoes should be killed by using of commercially available safe aerosols (Pyrethroid-based). Rooms including closets, bathrooms and kitchens should be sprayed (by removing/covering all food items properly) for a few minutes and closing the room for 15-20 minutes. The timing of the spray should coincide with the peak biting time of the Aedes aegyptimosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Taking personal protection measures like wearing protective clothing (full sleeved shirts & full pants during day time) and using mosquito nets, preferably insecticide treated ones, while sleeping, even during daytime. * Using commercially available repellents during daytime. * Using mosquito repellents or burning neem leaves, coconut shells and husk to kill or repel the mosquitoes. * Using tight-fitting screens/wire mesh on doors and windows. * Covering all water containers in the house and water storage structures to prevent fresh egg laying by the vector. * Emptying, drying water tanks, containers, coolers, bird baths, pets water bowls, plant pots, drip trays at least once each week. * Regularly checking for clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage. * Launch awareness campaigns on vector borne diseases and seek cooperation for prevention of mosquito breeding and protection from mosquito bites. * Keeping the surroundings clean and improving basic sanitation measures. * Cleaning weeds and tall grass to reduce available outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes near houses. * In case water containers cannot be emptied, applying Temephos (1 ppm) on weekly basis in coordination with the Health authorities. * Introducing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) dunks, larvivorous fishes (e.g., Gambusia / Guppy) in abandoned water bodies and ponds. * Carrying out Indoor Space spraying with Pyrethrum 2%. The timing of the spray should coincide with the biting time of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Carrying out fogging or Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spray by using 95% or pure technical malathion. = Conclusion = It is essential to built public-private partnership of hospitals, non-health sector departments including schools/colleges, civil society organizations (NGOs, Faith Based Organizations and Community Based Organizations like Residents Welfare Organizations, Self-Help Groups), Panchayati Raj Institutions/Municipal Bodies or such like local self-governments, local Religious Bodies, Nehru Yuvak Kendras, NSS/NCC units in schools and colleges as well as professional associations and corporate sector to accomplish successful vector control programme on a sustainable basis. References Guidelines For Integrated Vector Management For Control Of Dengue / Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, NVBDCP, Delhi HHS Publication No. (CDC) (99-xxxx) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Lumsden WHR (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; II. General Description and Epidemiology". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 33-57. Robinson Marion (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; I. Clinical Features". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 28-32. Vanlandingham DL, Hong C, Klingler K, Tsetsarkin K, McElroy KL, Powers AM, Lehane MJ, Higgs S (2005). "Differential infectivities of o'nyong-nyong and chikungunya virus isolates in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes". Am J Trop Med Hyg 72 (5): 616-21. PubMed. *Author is currently working as Project Officer, World Wide Fund for Nature - India ** Co-author is a practising Physician in Social and Preventive Medicine at PRS Hospital, Trivandrum.

Will the person die if they get Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever can be fatal, symptoms are usually more serious after a secondary infection from a different strain of dengue (there are 4 strains of dengue). Secondary infection can lead to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever which can cause internal bleeding, if the symptoms are not recognized it can ultimately lead to death.

What is the name of dengue mosquito?

Anopheles genus-and only females of those species-can transmit malaria.

How do you identify dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a tropical illness transmitted by a specific type of mosquito that is usually active during the day. It is found in urban areas in most countries near the equator, but not in any part of the united states (the mosquito that transmits it is not found in the united states). Those at risk are people who live in a region that dengue is found (see map: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Dengue06.png) or who have recently traveled to such a region, especially during a dengue outbreak. Because dengue is transmitted only by blood, those who have had contact with dengue victims in the absence of the carrier mosquito are usually not at risk from this contact. Dengue has an incubation period of 10 days to 2 weeks, and early symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle or joint pain. According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever) there is also a characteristic rash of bright red spots, but I have not heard this rash described as an indicator by medical professionals in countries where dengue is common. This may be because it is not actually a rash (inflammation), but rather blood spots caused by small hemmorhages. The most obvious indicator of dengue is spontaneous bleeding, which may occur from gums, fingernails... according to some people I have talked to, severe cases appear to sweat blood. This may sound very alarming, but as long as the patient receives adequate medical attention, they will almost certainly be unharmed by the experience (except for the psychological trauma and the medical bill). People who live in or travel to tropical countries should seek medical attention if they exhibit these symptoms; the platelet count will be monitored, and if it drops too low, blood will be given. Most cases will recover normally after about a week; the illness is then gone and no lasting damage will be felt (except the normal symptoms of whatever blood loss the patient experienced). The status of dengue as a dangerous illness in developing countries is mostly due to its cyclic nature - a very large number of cases often occur at once (an outbreak) and the country's limited health facilities are often overwhelmed. In some parts of the world, this happens only once every few years; in others, there is always an outbreak of dengue somewhere.

In dengue fever what is fever subsides?

Not sure what this question is asking by the wording. Are you asking how high the fever is for dengue fever? Because it's as high as 104-105 degrees Fahrenheit.

The meaning of the word subsides means to drop lower.

What is vector mosquito?

A vector mosquito is a type of mosquito that transmits pathogens and parasites to humans and animals, making it a key player in the spread of various diseases. Notable diseases carried by vector mosquitoes include malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. The most infamous vector mosquitoes include species from the Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex genera. Their role in public health is critical, as controlling these populations is essential for preventing outbreaks.

Chikungunya and dengue in Kerala?

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Chikungunya virus is a member of the genus Alphavirus, in the family Togaviridae. Chikungunya fever is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., joint swelling), laboratory testing, and the possibility of exposure to infected mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya fever; care is based on symptoms. Chikungunya infection is not usually fatal. Steps to prevent infection with chikungunya virus include use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and staying in areas with screens.

Causes:- Chikungunya virus is indigenous to tropical Africa and Asia, where it is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes, usually of the genus Aedes. CHIK fever epidemics are sustained by human-mosquito-human transmission. The word "chikungunya" is thought to derive from description in local dialect of the contorted posture of patients afflicted with the severe joint pain associated with this disease. The main virus reservoirs are monkeys, but other species can also be affected, including humans.

Prevention:-The most effective means of prevention are those that protect against any contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes. These include using insect repellents with substances like DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide; also known as N,N'-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide or NNDB), icaridin (also known as picaridin and KBR3023), PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol, a substance derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree), or IR3535. Wearing bite-proof long sleeves and trousers (pants) also offers protection. In addition, garments can be treated with pyrethroids, a class of insecticides that often has repellent properties. Vaporized pyrethroids (for example in mosquito coils) are also insect repellents. Securing screens on windows and doors will help to keep mosquitoes out of the house. In the case of the day active Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, however, this will only have a limited effect, since many contacts between the vector and the host occur outside. Thus, mosquito control is especially important.

Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy), and rash. The presence (the "dengue triad") of fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) is particularly characteristic of dengue.

Causes:-The virus is contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person. The mosquito flourishes during rainy seasons but can breed in water-filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year-round. One mosquito bite can inflict the disease. The virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. There must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway.

Prevention:-There is no commercially available vaccine for the dengue flavivirus.Primary prevention of dengue mainly resides in mosquito control. There are two primary methods: larval control and adult mosquito control. In urban areas, Aedes mosquitos breed on water collections in artificial containers such as plastic cups, used tires, broken bottles, flower pots, etc. Periodic draining or removal of artificial containers is the most effective way of reducing the breeding grounds for mosquitos. Larvicide treatment is another effective way of control the vector larvae but the larvicide chosen should be long-lasting and preferably have World Health Organization clearance for use in drinking water. There are some very effective insect growth regulators (IGR's) available which are both safe and long-lasting (e.g. pyriproxyfen). For reducing the adult mosquito load, fogging with insecticide is somewhat effective.Prevention of mosquito bites is another way of preventing disease. This can be achieved either by using insect repellent or by using mosquito nets.

First get rid of those dogs, then Dengue and Chikungunya will go away from Kerala.

Dengue Fever is a Zoonosis, a disease occurring primarily in mammalian animals that can be transmitted to humans. The viruses responsible for this disease survive in nature as infections in animals; human infection is not necessary for their survival. Dengue Fever is an Arboviral infection, the viruses being transmitted by arthropod vectors such as ticks. House dogs and street dogs are the common Animal Reservoir Hosts to these viruses, as almost all of these animals are tick-affected. The recent outbreaks of Dengue Fever in Kerala were exclusively caused by the millions of dogs roaming the streets and in the houses. Otherwise the healthy and clean people of Kerala would not have succumbed this much easily to this disease and this much frequently too. Actually, reports from Kerala indicate that the State has been in the grip of dog-transmitted diseases for long. Hundreds of people there are daily admitted to hospitals following severe group attacks by dogs in the streets.

The recent outbreaks of Dengue Fever rendered health services helpless, claimed hundreds of human lives and incapacitated tens of thousands more. Everyone talked about mosquitoes, stagnant pools, dirty canals and the like, but no one admitted the possibility of these diseases being spread from dogs, lest it would be commented as trivial. With this many dogs on the loose in streets and houses, there may occur yet another outbreak of Dengue and Congo Fevers in Kerala which would be fatal. The health authorities and dog lovers know this but they fear revealing this for fear of retaliation from amorous dog lovers. Chikungunya is a viral disease closely similar to Dengue fever that recently swept through Africa, Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Europe and America. As the African name denotes, it causes a contorted and stooped appearance and may take years and decades for the patient to get a slight relief. Full recovery is never. There is no treatment or vaccine available for this disease. Victims are incapacitated and cannot work or earn a living for many years. The destructing power of this virus is such that it is considered as an ideal agent for future biological weapons and warfare.

Chikungunya is an Arboviral infection which need an animal reservoir host for the virus to survive and thrive in nature. It will need an animal reservoir host or a primate other than men to reside in and multiply for a time. Usually they are monkeys and dogs. Outbreaks of this disease happened very recently and very frequently too. Nothing especially happened in the environmental conditions of the world which was why world health authorities could not predict the coming of this disease. What they could not see clearly and take into account was the number of dogs increasing inconceivably everywhere. Or even if they knew, they were forced to remain silent about it, knowing well the iron hand of dog-lovers, many of whom the dignitaries who design and govern the modern world. Assuming all things in the environment remained the same, and also given that the number of some available animal host increased in the world considerably lately so as to cause repeated massive outbreaks of this disease, we are forced to believe that it was only the number of dogs in the world that increased lately, due to nations one after another blindly passing laws banning the killing of dogs. Even W.H.O. articles on Chikungunya carefully remain vague about the role of the abundance of dogs in bringing about this disease which is sweeping through almost all continents. Some get a few minutes' pleasure from dogs and the world pays too high a price for the pleasure to be justified.

Also note that the orthodox Hindu Brahmins of India never allow dogs anywhere near their home, temple or compound. They consider dogs entering those places a profane act and breach of sanctity and cleanliness. Where does all the drop-out hair of a house-dog go except to the digestive and respiratory systems of the occupants of the house? There are hundreds of other diseases spread by pet animals including dogs. Nipah Virus, Lyme disease, Chagas disease, Q fever, Brucellosis, Diphyllobothriasis, Ehrlichiosis, Pasteurellosis, Rickettsiae, Rhinosporidiosis, Ringworm Salmonellosis, Strongyloidiasis, Yersiniosis, Leptospirosis, Leishmaniasis, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, Echinococcosis, Coenuruses cerebralis. Coccidioido mycosis and Giardiasis-theirs is a long list. The spreading of these diseases among humans could have been totally avoided, had human society broken ties with dogs.

Is splenomegaly present in dengue fever?

Yes, it can. The viruses affects the production of platelets and the spleen is important in recycling the blood.