GMC Jammu issues dengue advisory, warns against self-medication

Jammu, May 19: Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has issued a detailed public advisory on dengue management, urging people to remain vigilant against the mosquito-borne disease and seek immediate medical attention in case of worsening symptoms. The hospital has warned that reinfection with another strain of the virus can significantly increase the risk of severe complications, including internal bleeding and organ damage.
According to the advisory shared by GMC, dengue fever is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito carrying one of the four dengue virus types (DENV). The infection is not contagious from person to person, except in rare cases where it can spread from a pregnant woman to her baby.
Health experts at GMC Jammu warned that while the first dengue infection is usually mild, reinfection with another strain can significantly increase the risk of severe complications. Symptoms generally begin four to ten days after the mosquito bite and may continue for three to seven days, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, and extreme weakness.
The advisory noted that nearly one in every 20 dengue patients may develop severe dengue after initial symptoms subside. People experiencing severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, bleeding from gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, or excessive tiredness should not delay medical consultation.
GMC Jammu said that extensive arrangements have been made for dengue management. Separate wards have been designated at GMC Hospital for adult patients and at SMGS Hospital for pediatric patients.
Round-the-clock dengue testing facilities have been established, including Dengue NS1 ELISA testing (within five days of fever), Dengue IgM ELISA testing (after five days of fever), advanced RT-PCR testing, and complete blood counts, hematocrit, and platelet monitoring.
Sample collection counters have been set up at multiple locations within GMC Hospital, SMGS Hospital, and Super Speciality Hospital.
Doctors advised patients with mild symptoms to monitor their fever regularly, take paracetamol only as advised by doctors, drink plenty of fluids, take adequate rest, and report immediately if symptoms worsen. The advisory cautioned against self-medication and unnecessary insistence on platelet transfusions, stating such decisions should only be taken by medical professionals.
Those suffering from diabetes, kidney ailments, liver disease, and other comorbidities must remain especially cautious and report to hospitals immediately if fever or warning signs appear.
GMC Jammu urged people to focus on mosquito control and personal protection, advising full-sleeved clothing, mosquito nets, especially at night, prevention of water stagnation in buckets, coolers, tyres, and containers, and maintaining cleanliness around homes and localities.
Officials said GMC Jammu is fully equipped with adequate platelet stock and infrastructure to manage dengue cases effectively during the season. (KNO)