Suspected dengue? Find out what precautions can be taken to prevent the disease from worsening

The increase in dengue cases across the country, including with several states and municipalities declaring a health emergency due to the disease, demands attention to the signs and symptoms, what needs to be done and what actions are not recommended if there is suspicion. of dengue.

“Dengue is a serious disease, which can progress to a severe form. It is necessary to be aware of the symptoms and warning signs to avoid worsening and deaths from the disease”, warns the municipal secretary of Health, Beatriz Battistella.

One of the simplest and most essential measures is to avoid self-medication. Symptoms such as headache, fever and body pain can indicate many health problems. In the case of dengue, medicines based on acetylsalicylic acid, AAS, or other anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, nimesulide, among others, are prohibited. These medications can worsen the condition and can even be a determining factor in the need for hospitalization and even lead to death from dengue.

At the first symptoms, it is important to seek health care to make a differential diagnosis. “If you have been to a region with confirmed dengue cases, inform your health professional. This can be a differentiator for the correct diagnosis and monitoring of the case”, explains the director of the Epidemiology Center of the Municipal Health Department (SMS) of Curitiba, Alcides de Oliveira.

If the symptoms are mild, the person can call Central Saúde Já – 3350-9000 to receive the appropriate guidance for their case. If necessary, in-person care at a Health Unit or UPA will be indicated.

Intense hydration is the main treatment for dengue, but attention is needed as the condition worsens. “On the fifth day of symptoms, if there are any warning signs, such as nausea or vomiting, in addition to persistent fever and intense headache, it is necessary to seek a health service”, advises the SMS doctor.

Alarm signals

The SMS advises full attention to situations that indicate a worsening of dengue. In the situations listed below, the patient must seek one of the nine UPAs in Curitiba:

• Very strong and continuous pain in the belly
• Frequent or bloody vomiting
• Sudden decrease in fever
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness when changing position (lying down/sitting/getting up)
• Weak pulse and/or cold extremities
• Cold sweat
• Feeling of fainting
• Agitation and/or irritability
• Drowsiness and/or mental confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from the nose, gums, feces (melena), urine and/or increased menstrual flow
• Decrease in urine volume
• Spontaneous red dots or patches or purple spots on the skin

The Dengue Panel of the Municipal Health Department (SMS) of Curitiba, updated on Wednesday (27/3), shows that the capital of Paraná registered 384 new cases of dengue. Of these, 52 refer to notifications from the last week. The remainder refers to previous cases that were still under investigation.

In total, Curitiba accounts for 1,552 cases of dengue in 2024 (until March 22), 1,030 of which were imported (contamination occurred outside the municipality) and 522 were indigenous (local transmission).

Guidelines

In cases of suspected dengue fever, pay attention to these guidelines:

• Do not take AAS or other anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, diclofenac, nimesulide, etc.) as they are contraindicated medications
• Breastfeeding must be maintained
• Food must be offered according to acceptance
• Use repellent and mosquito nets during the first 7 days of illness to avoid transmitting the virus
• Rest, avoiding physical activity during the acute period of the disease
• Return to the Health Unit on the first day WITHOUT fever (possible beginning of the critical phase of dengue). If the fever persists, return on the fifth day of illness (counting from the day symptoms began)
• If you have any further questions, call Central Saúde Já 3350-9000
• Keep the home free of containers that can accumulate water and become mosquito breeding sites