GHS to Ghanaians: Avoid self-medication for dengue fever

The Eastern Regional Health Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Winfred Ofosu has advised the public to take precaution and desist from self-medication in treating dengue fever.

Ghana has so far recorded nine cases of dengue fever in the Eastern Region.

This is after unusual cases of clinical malaria were detected, which did not respond to anti-malarial treatment, prompting further investigation.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show yesterday, Ofosu said “This disease is very important; everyone needs to be alert and take precautions. The severe form can lead to bleeding and urinating of blood. When it gets to this point, it will be dangerous to treat.”

A suspected case is defined as any person with an acute febrile illness of two to seven days duration accompanied by two or more of the following symptoms – headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, hemorrhagic manifestations or leukopenia.

Dengue virus according to the World Health Organization is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Cases are most commonly asymptomatic or result in mild febrile illness.

Some cases will develop severe dengue, which may involve shock, severe bleeding or severe organ impairment.

What makes Gengue Fever Dangerous

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.

According to the World Health Organisation, most people who get dengue will not have symptoms. But for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.

What are the key facts about Dengue fever?

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

About half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year.

Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

While many dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce only mild illness, the virus can occasionally cause more severe cases, and even death.

Prevention and control of dengue depend on vector control. There is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue, and early detection and access to proper medical care greatly lower fatality rates of severe dengue.

What are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever? 

Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1–2 weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death. If symptoms occur, they usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. Symptoms may include:

• high fever (40°C/104°F)
• Severe headache
• pain behind the eyes
• muscle and joint pains
• nausea
• vomiting
• swollen glands
• rash.
• Who are at risk of Dengue fever?

Individuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue. Severe dengue symptoms often come after the fever has gone away:

• severe abdominal pain
• persistent vomiting
• rapid breathing
• bleeding gums or nose
• fatigue
• restlessness
• blood in vomit or stool
• being very thirsty
• pale and cold skin
• feeling weak.

Health experts advise that people with these severe symptoms should get care right away. After recovery, people who have had dengue may feel tired for several weeks.

Can Dengue fever be treated?

There is no specific treatment for dengue. The focus is on treating pain symptoms. Most cases of dengue fever can be treated at home with pain medicine.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is often used to control pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are avoided as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

For people with severe dengue, hospitalisation is often needed.

What is the global picture of Dengue fever?

The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades, with cases reported to WHO increasing from 505430 cases in 2000 to 5.2 million in 2019. A vast majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild and self-managed, and hence the actual numbers of dengue cases are under-reported. Many cases are also misdiagnosed as other febrile illnesses (1).

The highest number of dengue cases was recorded in 2023, affecting over 80 countries in all regions of WHO. Since the beginning of 2023 ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases, resulted in a historic high of over 6.5 million cases and more than 7300 dengue-related deaths reported.