‘Severe dengue often develops on 3rd, 4th day of fever’
Severe dengue often develops on the third or fourth day of fever, so patients should seek medical advice at the appropriate time.
Dr HM Nazmul Ahsan, an associate professor at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, made the suggestion while speaking to The Daily Star recently.
The doctor advised patients to undergo medical evaluations when fever begins, on the third or fourth day, and again after the fever subsides.
“Treatment is not simply about giving fluids,” he said, adding that treatment depends on the patient’s haematocrit and other clinical findings and may include saline, plasma solutions, dextran or blood transfusions.
Nazmul said most dengue patients being admitted to the hospital now have serious complications, including hepatitis, shock caused by dangerously low blood pressure, and fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen.
He also stressed the importance of using the right intravenous fluid at the right stage of the illness.
The doctor urged patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, fluid accumulation, reduced urine output, breathing difficulties, cold hands and feet, or bleeding.
He said early dengue symptoms can resemble those of other viral illnesses, making timely medical evaluation important.
Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital has treated the highest number of dengue patients among hospitals in the country this year, with 1,156 admissions as of August 9, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.
At least 672 dengue patients were hospitalised in the 24 hours till August 9 morning, the highest single-day tally this year. So far this year, 19,345 cases and 61 deaths have been recorded.
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