Kathmandu, 16 June: In recent times, the spread of COVID-19 has been rapidly increasing in neighboring countries like India and other Asian nations. Nepal is also experiencing a rise in infectious diseases such as dengue and coronavirus.
According to data from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), 26 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Nepal so far. However, it remains unclear whether these are infections from previously known strains or a new variant, as genome sequencing or further analysis has not been conducted. Meanwhile, the rate of dengue infection in the country is also on the rise.
According to data from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), 1,295 cases of dengue have been confirmed from 72 districts in Nepal over the past six months. Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, an infectious disease specialist at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, explains that since mosquitoes have already started appearing, the risk of dengue infection could sharply increase in the coming days. He warns that dengue transmission can spread rapidly at any time and place.
Dr. Pun also points out that because the symptoms of COVID-19 and dengue are quite similar, many people get confused about the actual cause of their illness. According to doctors, it is sometimes possible to identify the cause based on symptoms alone, but often testing is necessary to determine the exact illness.
Identifying based on symptoms
Dengue infection is caused by the bite of the Aedes species mosquito, while COVID-19 infection is caused by the coronavirus, doctors explain. According to Dr. Pun, coronavirus is a respiratory infectious disease, whereas dengue is a disease related to body pain.
COVID-19 spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets released when coughing or sneezing. On the other hand, dengue is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with the virus.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Doctors say that if someone shows symptoms like cold and cough, it can be considered a sign of coronavirus infection. Other symptoms include fever, headache, loss of taste or smell, body aches, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia.
Symptoms of Dengue
The main symptoms of dengue include severe body pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Other symptoms are redness in the eyes, rash on the body, dizziness, extreme pain, and vomiting. Sudden high fever, muscle pain, headache and joint pain, fatigue, and vomiting are also common symptoms of dengue.
Serious symptoms
Serious symptoms include bleeding from the gums, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, irritability or restlessness, cold sweats, severe abdominal pain, and continuous diarrhea.
At-risk groups
Doctors say that people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and dengue. Since infections in these groups can lead to severe health complications, doctors advise them to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Treatment
Currently, there is no specific medicine for dengue or COVID-19. According to Dr. Pun, treatment is based on managing symptoms for both infections.
Doctors say that dengue symptoms often resolve on their own. Dengue patients can be treated at home. It is advised to take paracetamol to reduce fever and relieve pain, following a doctor’s guidance.
If severe symptoms develop, patients should be taken to the hospital immediately. Doctors caution against taking Brufen (ibuprofen) or antibiotics to relieve pain during infection.
Both infections should not be taken lightly or neglected. Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and rest at home.
To prevent dengue infection, doctors recommend keeping your surroundings clean, wearing clothes that cover the whole body to avoid mosquito bites, sleeping under mosquito nets, and applying mosquito repellent or incense.
It is important to clean all places where water can accumulate around homes, schools, and offices, such as containers that hold water. Regular cleaning and eliminating mosquito breeding sites help control the mosquito population.
Similarly, Dr. Pun advises following public health measures to prevent COVID-19. He urges people to avoid unnecessary crowds and wear masks if they must go out. Frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing are also recommended.
Dr. Pun suggests that people at high risk should isolate themselves if anyone at home shows symptoms like cold or cough. He also emphasizes that vaccination against coronavirus can help protect from the disease.
Author:
Sirjana Khatri
She reports on health-related topics.
