All about Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a severe, potentially deadly infection spread by certain species of mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).

CAUSES

Four different dengue viruses are known to cause dengue hemorrhagic fever. Dengue hemorrhagic fever occurs when a person catches a different type dengue virus after being infected by another one sometime before. Prior immunity to a different dengue virus type plays an important role in this severe disease.

SYMPTOMS

Early symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever are similar to those of dengue fever, but after several days the patient becomes irritable, restless, and sweaty. These symptoms are followed by a shock-like state.

Bleeding may appear as tiny spots of blood on the skin (petechiae) and larger patches of blood under the skin ecchymosis). Minor injuries may cause bleeding.

Shock may cause death. If the patient survives, recovery begins after a one-day crisis period.

Early symptoms include:

• Decreased appetite
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint aches
• Malaise
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting

Acute phase symptoms include:

• Restlessness followed by ecchymosis, generalized rash, petechiae, and worsening of earlier symptoms
• Shock-like state (cold, clammy extremities and diaphoresis)

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Encephalopathy
• Liver damage
• Residual brain damage
• Seizures
• Shock

SOURCE

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I am posting this because one patient of mine just died due to this illness. The virus that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carry is really alarming. Pertaining to the aforementioned patient, I have provided utmost care and effort for the child to recuperate as soon as possible. All along, I thought everything will be positive as I left him. I had two days off and I didn't know what is already transpiring inside the hospital. I had no single idea if the patients I handled were still confined or already discharged.

Suddenly, a colleague of mine sent me a message telling that patient CN already passed away. It is so heartrending to know that the children you treated with quality nursing care are already gone in a snap. More so, this patient's relatives are very kindhearted and sympathetic that's why he's adored by many. I was totally taken aback with that news. I know, he's happy where he is now and I believe that he's watching over us from now on.

One piece of advice: Getting too emotionally attached to patients and their relatives will really give you a heartache eventually. Emphasis on the adverb too. There is nothing wrong with being attached to them, just be prepared enough when this kind of scenario comes into picture.

To all the parents out there, take good care of your children. Don't let a single mosquito bite take away their lives. As we all know, we only borrowed our precious lives from Him. Remember, as what the famous adage says, prevention is better than cure.

Drexel Heinz Magpantay Cruz, RN, RM

Pediatric Nurse