Puerto Rico’s health department has declared a state of emergency as dengue cases surge across the Americas, Caribbean, and Brazil. The mosquito-borne disease, spread through bites by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, has already seen 549 cases reported this year, compared to 1,293 in all of 2023. This alarming increase has prompted a public health emergency declaration to combat the spread of dengue.
In India, particularly in New Delhi, dengue cases have also spiked dramatically, with nearly 5,000 cases reported this year alone. This is more than double the number of cases seen in the same period in 2022, marking the highest numbers in the last five years. The situation calls for heightened caution and preventive measures to control the spread of the disease.
According to Dr. Himanshi Patnaik from Mumbai, dengue symptoms can manifest swiftly and severely, including high fever, headaches, rashes, and joint/muscle pain. Without proper care, the condition can quickly worsen, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
To combat the dengue virus and boost immunity, incorporating certain foods rich in essential nutrients and vitamins into the diet is crucial. These include papaya leaves, herbal mixes like Tulsi and Ashwagandha, pomegranates, coconut water, turmeric, fenugreek, oranges, and supplemental remedies. These foods aid in recovery and help maintain blood platelet count, essential for dengue patients.
It is also important to avoid non-vegetarian, oily, fried, and spicy foods, as well as caffeinated beverages, which can hinder recovery. Preventive measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, keeping homes well-lit, using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and using mosquito nets are essential to prevent dengue transmission.
As dengue cases continue to rise, it is crucial for individuals to be vigilant, follow preventive measures, and seek medical help upon observing symptoms to effectively combat the spread of the disease.