Severe cases of dengue can cause hepatitis and kidney failure

After declaring a public health emergency due to an explosion in dengue cases, the Federal District government warns that serious cases of the disease can lead to conditions such as hepatitis and even kidney failure.

According to the Health Department of the Federal District, the severity, in the specific case of dengue, arises from inflammation caused in the organs and the way the virus acts in the body. “The virus penetrates the bloodstream, multiplies in various organs, and harmful substances are formed in the human body”, explains the secretariat, in a note.

“After the bite, the virus multiplies in organs such as the spleen, liver and lymphatic tissue for four to seven days – a period called incubation. The next phase – viremia – lasts about six days and is marked by fever. At this stage, the virus continues to multiply and the most common symptoms appear”, warns the Department of Health

The dengue virus, according to the folder, causes a change in the permeability of blood vessels, causing the loss of liquid called plasma, which should be inside the vessels and ends up going into cavities such as the abdomen and chest and subcutaneous tissue. Therefore, the patient becomes dehydrated.

The secretariat warns of decreased platelets, as the virus reaches the bone marrow. “It is the very significant drops in platelets that cause bleeding, an alarm sign that must be treated with medical help”, highlights the folder, citing possible damage to the liver, spleen and kidneys, in addition to neurological changes.

Treatment

Dengue generally manifests itself through symptoms such as fever, headache (behind the eyes), body aches, fatigue, weakness, spots, rashes and itchy skin. “There is no specific medicine for dengue. Fever can be controlled with the use of paracetamol or dipyrone. AAS (acetylsalicylic acid) and anti-inflammatories are contraindicated”, highlighted the secretariat.

“When the disease presents itself with warning signs, the symptoms presented are: severe pain in the belly; persistent vomiting; bleeding in the nose, mouth or stool; dizziness and very tired. In these cases, medical help should be sought immediately, especially to avoid possible consequences”, he recommends.

Also according to the folder, in severe cases, it is possible for the patient to develop sequelae, mainly related to the damage that the disease can cause to organs, such as hepatitis (liver inflammation) and chronic kidney failure.

“At the first sign of symptoms, a person suspected of having dengue should seek the reference basic health unit (UBS). The structures of these spaces were adapted to provide intravenous hydration, if necessary. If there are more serious signs, patients will be referred to emergency care units (UPA) or regional hospitals”, informs the ministry.

Vaccine

On Friday (9), the Federal District began vaccinating children aged 10 and 11 against dengue. The doses are being distributed in a total of 15 basic health units (UBS). There is no need to make an appointment to take the vaccine. In the first four days, almost 10 thousand children were immunized.

In total, 521 municipalities were selected to receive doses against dengue by SUS. The cities make up a total of 37 health regions that, according to the Ministry of Health, are considered endemic for the disease.

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