Second-time dengue an infection is feasible. It might be even extreme, and signs might change too. Know what occurs when it strikes twice.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, is sweeping by completely different elements of the world, together with India. Brought on by 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 suggests an individual will be contaminated as much as 4 occasions. More often than not the signs are delicate, however extreme an infection can happen, particularly within the case of second-time dengue. It could actually result in organ injury, and even demise. Know why it may be lethal the second time.
Second-time dengue will be lethal
Tens of millions of individuals are affected by this mosquito-borne illness. About 100 to 400 million dengue infections happen annually, placing about half of the world’s inhabitants vulnerable to this illness, in line with the World Well being Group (WHO).
It’s attributable to one of many 4 dengue virus serotypes or variations, that are transmitted by the bites of contaminated Aedes mosquitoes, significantly 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 to spot the an infection if it comes across the second time and combat it off. Since your physique will know the way to combat 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 might assist the virus unfold extra successfully throughout the physique,” says inner medication and infectious ailments professional Dr Ankit Bansal. This will likely occur as a result of your immune system isn’t conversant in the brand new model of the illness and will make the physique react in an aggressive method. This will 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 will be life-threatening, as per the WHO. Throughout a research revealed within the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and An infection in October 2024, the danger was discovered to be 7.8 p.c in individuals who have been contaminated the second time. It was simply 3.8 p.c in individuals who received contaminated the primary time.
Second-time dengue: Are the signs completely 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 comparable 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 danger of extreme signs.
Based on WHO, extreme dengue signs might embrace:
- Extreme ache in stomach
- Persistent vomiting
- Speedy respiratory
- Bleeding nostril
- Bleeding gums
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Blood in vomit
- Feeling very thirsty
- Chilly and pale pores and skin
These signs normally begin within the 24 to 48 hours after the fever goes away, in line with the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
“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 quick 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 issues. The next are at a larger danger:
- Individuals who reside in or journey to endemic areas are at excessive danger of repeated dengue infections because of frequent publicity to the virus.
- Folks with weak immune methods, akin to younger kids and the aged, are extra inclined to issues 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.
How one can deal with extreme dengue?
There isn’t any medication to deal with dengue fever, however acetaminophen or paracetamol normally helps to handle the ache, says the professional. Ibuprofen or aspirin usually are not beneficial, as they’ll enhance the danger of inner bleeding, which will be life-threatening. Folks with extreme dengue want quick medical consideration, typically involving hospitalisation. The remedy focuses on:
- Sustaining correct fluid ranges to counteract dehydration and forestall 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 folks.
- 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 part when issues like plasma leakage, extreme bleeding, and organ impairment are almost certainly to happen,” says the professional. After recovering, people who find themselves contaminated might 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. Cast off standing water round your house, 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.
