SEROTYPE 2 DENGUE

Disclaimer: No Copyright infringement intended.

Context

The Health Ministry has flagged the emerging challenge in 11 States across India of serotype 2 dengue, which it said is associated with “more cases and more complications” than other forms of the disease.

About Dengue

It is a tropical disease that occurs in the countries around the Equator.
Aedes aegypti transmits dengue virus.
Aedes eggs can remain dormant for more than a year.
The virus responsible for causing dengue, is called dengue virus (DENV).
There are four DENV serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4), meaning that it is possible to be infected four times.

Reasons behind spread of Dengue

Poor Urbanization
Poor town planning
Improper sanitation
Dengue cases are often under-reported due to political reasons
Low number of skilled manpower
Due to this deficiency of manpower, active surveillance is not being done in India, according to National Vector Borne Disease Control Program.
There is a lack of coordination between the local bodies and health departments in the delivery of public health measures.
Medicine practitioners often argue that a proper double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial cannot be conducted as it involves huge money and manpower.

Holistic management of Dengue

These mosquitoes bite during the daytime, so keeping the windows shut in the day hours is also useful.
Preventing water stagnation
Spreading chemicals in periodic cycles to kill the larvae.
Singapore uses successful model of mapping and analyzing data on dengue, using Geographical Information System (GIS). This involves mapping the streets with dengue cases for vector densities.
Fluid management is the cornerstone in the management of severe diseases like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
WHO recommends fresh whole blood or packed cell transfusion in the event of bleeding.
Increase the number of personnel in the healthcare sector.
Delhi government Mohalla Clinic is a successful model to engage local community in effective management of Dengue.

Vaccine

As of 2021, one version is commercially available, known as CYD-TDV, and sold under the brand name Dengvaxia.