Dengue Updates: Seven warded at UMMC daily

NST: An average of seven dengue victims a day have been admitted to the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) over the past two months.
Many more with dengue symptoms have been treated at the hospital’s out-patient department.
UMMC Infectious Disease specialist Dr Tan Lian Huat said most of the patients now were adults, unlike early this year when most were children.
The hospital has a special ward for dengue patients.
"What’s important is early diagnosis of the disease and admission to reduce fatality rates," he said.
"Many people seek treatment after suffering from dengue fever symptoms for at least five days or more."
Dengue symptoms are high fever, severe headache, retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes.
Dr Tan said the rash may appear over most parts of the body three to four days after the fever. A second rash may appear later in the course of the disease.
"Bed rest and proper treatment is advisable during the acute febrile phase. Aspirin and Ponstan should be avoided since they can cause gastritis, bleeding and acidosis. Paracetamol is preferable," said Dr Tan, adding that heart patients can continue with their aspirin intake.
Analgesics or mild sedatives may be required for patients with severe pain.
Dr Tan said more fluids and electrolyte therapy were recommended for patients with excessive sweating or vomiting.
"Our main concern is for patients suffering from Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). The prognosis of DHF depends on early recognition of plasma leakage. This can be achieved by frequent monitoring for a drop in the platelet count," he said.
Early DHF symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint aches, malaise, decreased appetite and vomiting. The acute phase symptoms include breathing difficulty, shock-like state, sweating (diaphoretic), cold and restlessness.
Dr Tan said physical examination may reveal low blood pressure, rapid pulse, rash, red eyes, red throat, swollen glands and an enlarged liver.
"Because DHF is caused by a virus, there is no known cure or vaccine and the only treatment is to treat the symptoms," he said.