Avoid panicking over drop in platelet count in dengue: Experts

Ludhiana, October 11, 2021: To dispel the myths and create awareness surrounding the dengue, the Ludhiana administration has come together with renowned medical specialists who called upon the people to not get panicky as 90-percent of the dengue cases do not need hospitalization. 

On Monday, Dr Bishav Mohan from Dayanand Medical College interviewed a panel of specialist doctors including Prof Rajesh Mahajan from DMCH Ludhiana, Prof Mary John from Christian Medical College & Hospital (CMCH), Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Vivek Kataria, District Epidemiologists Dr Prabhleen Kaur and Dr Sahil Verma during a live session on the official Facebook page of DPRO, Ludhiana.   

The doctors said that when platelets of any patient drop below 50000 coupled with high fever, bleeding, vomiting, dizziness, black stool, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscles, one should get immediately admitted to the hospital. They said that these are basic warning signs and one must not ignore these symptoms. 

They told that unnecessary panic among the people lead to overcrowding in the hospitals. The experts further said that the patients must not indulge in self-medication or those having mild fever, can take a simple Crocin tablet along with ample quantity of fluids, and water for few days at home. They said that strips of wet cloth can also be put on the forehead of a person having a fever.

The specialist doctors said that platelets transfusion should be given only when platelet counts are below 10000 and having active bleeding or other complications. 

They stated that dengue is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito which usually targets in the daytime. Aedes mosquito breeds in desert coolers, water storage containers, tyres, overhead tanks and many more places where water gets collected or stored, they disclosed and said that people must keep all water storage containers covered, besides old tyres, broken pots, crockery should be removed. 

They told that kerosene oil must be sprayed in coolers, containers etc. once a week, which cannot be emptied or cleaned and encouraged the people to wear full sleeves clothes.

They also answered the queries of the residents during the live Facebook session.