Overview

Dengue poses a significant menace globally, affecting millions each year. The virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causes high fever, severe pain, and potentially life-threatening complications. The lack of effective vaccines or specific antiviral treatments emphasises the critical importance of mosquito control measures to combat this persistent and growing public health threat. The disease can be characterised by high fever, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite, and other symptoms. The infected individual also faces low platelets in dengue. If the disease is not promptly treated, it can sometimes become dangerous and even fatal.

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small fragments of cells found in the blood. The main function of these cell fragments is to facilitate blood clotting and prevent excessive bleeding. In case of damage or injury to the blood vessels, platelets form clumps and release substances that help form a clot. These clots seal the wound, thereby promoting healing.

What is dengue?

Dengue is a viral disease caused by the dengue virus, primarily transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes are small insects with black and white stripes on their bodies and legs. They have a slender form and a size of about 5-7 millimetres. Known for their aggressive daytime biting behaviour, Aedes mosquitoes can transmit diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, making them a significant public health concern.

It manifests as a flu-like illness, including symptoms such as high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, and in some cases, haemorrhage. One of the biggest symptoms of the disease is low blood platelet count. Blood platelets in dengue lower rapidly. Hence, the affected individual feels low on energy and cannot perform daily routine tasks. The disease is usually found in monsoons affecting people in huge numbers. Dengue can range from mild to severe, requiring prompt medical attention.

Causes of Dengue

Mentioned below are some of the causes of the disease that help to identify the root of the issue and help to resolve it in the right way:

Mosquito Bite- The major cause of the disease is the bite of the infected mosquito. A mosquito gets infected when it bites an individual already suffering from dengue. The blood contact infects the mosquito, and then the infection spreads from the mosquito to another healthy person through biting. The infection spreads quickly in this pattern to multiple people contacting the infected mosquito. Hence, precautions against mosquito bites and avoiding visiting places filled with such mosquitoes help to lower the infection.
Mother to Child- Another highly observed way of spread of infection is from an infected mother to an unborn child. An infected mother can quickly spread the infection to the unborn child, worsening the situation. If proper treatments and preventive measures are not taken on time, the situation can also be fatal for the child.
Sharing of Medical Essentials- The use of shared needles and syringes is also a major cause of the spread of infection. The individual can also be affected due to blood transfusion and organ transplant. Hence, such procedures should be performed with utmost care and precaution.

Symptoms of Dengue

Mentioned below are the symptoms of the infectious disease that help to identify its initial stages:

Fever
Chills
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Weakness
Fatigue
Brain Disorders
Blood in stools, urine, or bleeding from the nose

What is the role of platelets in an individual affected by dengue?

In an individual affected by dengue, platelets play a critical role. Platelets are the blood cells in the bone marrow. A healthy individual has 1.5 lakhs to 4 lakhs of blood platelets. Dengue can cause a decrease in platelet count, leading to a condition known as thrombocytopenia. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting; a low platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding and haemorrhage. Monitoring and managing platelet levels are crucial in dengue management to prevent complications and ensure proper medical care.

Why does the blood platelet count lower in dengue?

Dengue fever can cause a decrease in platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia, due to several factors. The dengue virus directly affects the bone marrow, where platelets are produced, leading to decreased production. Additionally, the virus can cause increased destruction of platelets in the bloodstream. The immune response triggered by dengue infection can also contribute to the drop in platelet levels. However, it is essential to note that most cases of dengue-related thrombocytopenia are transient and resolve independently as the infection subsides.

The platelet count may drop from lakhs to thousands making it a serious concern for the affected individual. Immediate treatment and medications should be the first step to prevent symptoms from worsening any further. The platelets start dipping after the 4th or 5th day of the illness, making the patient feel weak and low the whole day.

How to increase the platelet count during dengue?

Blood transfusion is one of the most helpful methods to enhance dengue's low blood platelet count. The blood injection given to the patient helps to increase the platelet count and allows quick recovery of the patient. The platelet count may resume the original baseline after at least 72 hours. The doctor may recommend the procedure for a few days depending on the patient's situation.

Blood platelets can also be increased with the help of consuming the right foods. Foods such as leafy veggies, iron-rich foods, lentils, pumpkin seeds, papaya, dairy products, and many other beneficial fruits and vegetables help naturally increase the blood platelet count.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Platelets in dengue are lower due to the infection spread by the mosquito bite and various other health issues. The platelet count can be increased with the help of a healthy diet and procedures like blood transfusion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dengue

Q. What is dengue?
A. Dengue is a disease caused due to infection spread by the bite of an infected mosquito to a healthy individual.

Q. What are the symptoms of dengue?
A. Chills, fever, weakness, tiredness, and fatigue are some of the symptoms of the disease.

Q. How can blood platelet count be increased in dengue?
A. Blood transfusion and consumption of a healthy iron and folate-rich diet can help increase the blood platelet count gradually.

Q. What are platelets?
A. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small fragments of cells found in the blood. The main function of these cell fragments is to facilitate blood clotting and prevent excessive bleeding. In case of damage or injury to the blood vessels, platelets form clumps and release substances that help form a clot. These clots seal the wound, thereby promoting healing.

Q. What is an Aedes mosquito?
A. Aedes mosquitoes are small insects with black and white stripes on their bodies and legs. They have a slender form and a size of about 5-7 millimetres. Known for their aggressive daytime biting behaviour, Aedes mosquitoes can transmit diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, making them a significant public health concern.

Approved and Published by Dr. Gopal D