At Paradise Private Hospital (PPH), we check Dengue by RDT (rapid diagnostic testing). We perform a Rapid Diagnostic Test to test Dengue or do a complete blood count and platelet counts test to immediately detect or manage and signs of Hemorrhage or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Nonetheless, once signs and symptoms are detected, it is best you seek the appropriate medical attention.
After Dengue is detected in the blood, a doctor will prescribe the suitable medication and treatment to the patient.
Medical Treatment
There’s no cure or specific treatment for dengue. You can only relieve the symptoms until the infection has gone. If a mild version of Dengue is detected, patients are advised to;
- Drink plenty of fluids and gett plenty of rest.
- Take pain killers like Panadol (highly recommended) to ease pain.
If there is severity in the Dengue symptoms, patients are:
- Put IV fluids for high fever and hydration.
- Monitor for the next 24 – 48 hours.
We do not recommend the use of any other pain killer except for Panadol. It is advisable to avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications because they increase the risk of hemorrhage.
Protect yourself and your home from Dengue.
There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. The best method of protection is to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce the mosquito population. When in a high-risk area, you should:
- use mosquito repellent indoors and outdoors.
- wear long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into socks during rainy season.
- ensure that window and door screens are secure, and any holes are repaired.
- use mosquito nets if sleeping areas are not screened.
Reducing the mosquito population involves getting rid of mosquito breeding areas. These areas include any place that still water can collect, such as:
- flowerpots
- cans
- any empty vessel
- Drains
Clean and attend to your garden or backyard to ensure your place is well kept from stagnant water and dense moist places for water to subside.
These areas should be checked, emptied, or changed regularly.
This is the final part to a three-part series on the topic of Dengue Fever.
Article by: Dr Polapoi Chalau
Dr Polapoi Chalau joined Paradise Private Hospital in 2016 as their Medical Director with many years’ experience working in senior medical leadership and health management in the public sector. He served as the CEO of Angau General Hospital in Lae for 7 years (2006-2014) and previously as the Chief Surgeon of PNG & Specialist advisor to the National Health Department (1993-2010).
Dr Chalau’s many achievements include serving as the Honorary Senior Lecturer in Surgery at the University of PNG and was instrumental in setting up highly specialised training for surgeons at the country’s medical school. He holds a Masters in Business Administration- Executive (EMBA) from PNG University of Technology, Masters in Surgery and a Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery from the University of PNG (UPNG).
Dr Polapoi Chalau hails from Loamat Village – Rambutso Island in the Manus Province and is married with six children.
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