Dengue Fever Epidemic on the Rise, Particularly in Urban Areas
In a recent report, the Department of Disease Control has discovered a significant increase in dengue fever patients across the country. With a weekly surge of over 5,000 cases, the majority of infections are concentrated in urban areas rather than rural regions. This alarming trend can be attributed to the inadequate management of water sources, creating ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus.
Severe Symptoms and Fatalities
Approximately 1 to 2 out of every 100 infected individuals experience severe symptoms such as organ bleeding due to thrombocytopenia. In some cases, patients may experience weight loss accompanied by excessive sweating and a chilling sensation that may lead to shock and, ultimately, death.
Between January 1st and June 28th, 2023, a total of 27,377 dengue fever cases were reported, resulting in 23 deaths. In June alone, the weekly number of patients ranged from 1,500 to 2,400, with 1 to 3 deaths occurring each week. This represents a threefold increase compared to the same period in 2022, which saw 9,736 patients and 7 deaths.
Treating Dengue Fever: No Specific Cure
Ph.Dr. Pakakrong Kwankhao, Assistant Director of Thai traditional medicine and alternative medicine at Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, emphasizes that there is no specific medication for the dengue virus. The treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms, particularly reducing fever. Patients must also maintain proper hydration, especially if they experience bouts of nausea and vomiting. Paracetamol, a popular antipyretic drug, is commonly used.
Although antipyretic drugs are crucial, it is advised to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen. Dr. Pakakrong explains that herbal remedies like Andrographis paniculata can be used to alleviate fever in the early stages of dengue. However, if bruising or bleeding occurs, the use of this herb must be discontinued to prevent further bleeding complications.
Exploring the Potential of Papaya Leaves
Dr. Pakakrong also highlights a study conducted by Udon Thani Province’s Head Hospital, which focuses on herbs that are easily accessible to Thai people, such as papaya leaves. According to research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), papaya leaves exhibit three important mechanisms: (1) inhibiting the spread of dengue virus strains, similar to Andrographis paniculata, (2) increasing platelet counts, and (3) enhancing the immune system’s functionality.
Experimental consumption of papaya leaf juice in 78 dengue fever patients revealed promising results. Administration of 30 cc three times a day before meals, totaling 90 cc per day, throughout the treatment period resulted in a reduced hospital stay of 3.10 days compared to 4.2 days in the control group.
Positive Impact on Platelet Levels and Body Temperature
Observing platelet levels, it was observed that both groups experienced a decline on the first day. However, the experimental group showed an increase in platelets starting from day 3, with a significant boost usually occurring on day 5. Conversely, the control group displayed a continued decrease in platelets until day 8.
Regarding body temperature, both groups experienced a decrease from day one, with no notable difference. However, the experimental group displayed a faster recovery, resulting in a more comfortable experience throughout the illness, surpassing the control group.
present “dengue fever epidemic” find an increase in patients “Department of Disease Control” They found that dengue fever across the country has increased by more than 5,000 per week, with most of them spreading in urban areas rather than rural areas. Caused by lack of effective management of water sources. become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes which carry the virus “dengue fever” fly to bite someone, cause “dengue fever epidemic” quickly
1-2 in 100 infected people will have severe symptoms of thrombocytopenia. organ bleeding Or some patients lose weight but sweat and feel cold to the point of shock and have a chance of dying.
a report “dengue fever epidemic” Patients were found to be between 1 January and 28 June 2023 “dengue fever” there were up to 27,377 cases, 23 deaths since June, meeting 1,500-2,400 patients per week, 1-3 deaths per week, while the patient rate “dengue fever” In 2022, compared to the same time, there were 9,736 patients with 7 deaths, a 3 times increase.
“Ph.Dr. Pakakrong Kwankhao” Assistant Director of Thai traditional medicine and alternative medicine Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital say “dengue fever” There is no specific drug for treating dengue virus. Still treating the symptoms, mainly as a drug to reduce fever. and be careful not to lose water if there is nausea and vomiting it must be supplemented with mineral salts Paracetamol is a popular antipyretic drug.
“Giving antipyretic drugs is important. aspirin or ibuprofen must be avoided As for the herbal medicine group, Andrographis paniculata. Fever in the early stages can use Andrographis paniculata. but if you bruise, bleed, bleed from the scurvy, you must stop using it because it could cause the bleeding to be difficult to stop “Dr. Pakakrong” explain
“Dr. Pakakrong” Please tell me that there is further study from Head Hospital, Udon Thani Province that has brought herbs close to Thai people. as papaya leaves that have studied abroad And published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) states that papaya leaves have 3 important mechanisms: 1. Resist the spread of dengue virus strains 2, as well as Andrographis paniculata 2. Increase platelet count The both increase the number And reduce the aggregation of platelets 3. Improve the mechanism of the immune system. make the immune system work better In some studies it was found that increasing the number of red blood cells Reducing the secretion of anti-inflammatory substances. antioxidant by squeezing papaya leaf juice for experimental consumption in patients “dengue fever” 78 patients compared to patients with similar characteristics
by giving to the patient “dengue fever” Take 30 cc 3 times a day before meals or equal to 90 cc./day from the first and last day of treatment by monitoring symptoms. and all data analysis lab results Looking at the three main results, the platelet level. body temperature and patient comfort “dengue fever” The study found that patients in the experimental group receiving papaya leaf juice stayed in hospital for 3.10 days, less than 4.2 days in the control group.
Regarding the increase in platelets During the first day, the patient’s platelets “dengue fever” Both groups declined at the same time. But in the experimental group, platelets increased from day 3 onwards and increased significantly usually on day 5 compared to the control group which continued to decrease and increase from day 8 onwards.
When considering the patient’s body temperature “dengue fever” Both groups have dropped since day one. no difference The body temperature of the experimental group dropped faster than the control group. Because there is a faster recovery from the disease. Makes more comfortable from day one. and increased more than the control group.
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