Dengue more prevalent among youngsters: Study

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 31

The prevalence of dengue is higher in younger population than the elderly ones in Patiala district, as per an analysis by the Health Department.

The age wise analysis of 631 dengue cases in the district, revealed that around 44 per cent of the total cases were reported between the age group of 21 and 40 years.

According to the data, 276 cases fall in the 21-40 age group.

The Health Department said 40 cases were reported among children, while 100 cases were found in the 11-20 age group. The elderly were least affected by the dengue.

The gender wise break up of dengue cases, reported until October 31, shows that there were more dengue cases among women. Around 60 per cent of the total patients were women, revealed the data.

District Epidemiologist Dr Sumeet said as the younger population had to go out for work and other household related chores, they had more chances of getting infected with dengue.

He said as the dengue mosquitoes bite during daytime, extra care should be taken by the people who go out for work during the day.

Dos

• Use mosquito repellents and nets
• Wear full-sleeve clothes to avoid mosquito bites
• Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day
• See a doctor if you show any symptoms of dengue

Don’ts

• Do not let water collect in open spaces and surroundings
• Do not self-medicate if you have symptoms, like fever and body ache
• Avoid consuming paracetamol and aspirin-based medicines without medical supervision
• Avoid giving steroids or antibiotics to dengue patients
• Avoid platelet transfusion unless there is an active bleed or the platelet count is less than 10,000