Dengue fever is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is a significant public health concern in Bangladesh from June to August. However, in some years, it lasted up to December. The symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe and can include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting. Let's take a look at the Dengue tests. What is a Dengue Test? A Dengue test refers to a diagnostic procedure performed to determine the presence of the dengue virus or antibodies against the virus in an individual's blood sample. These tests play a crucial role in identifying and confirming dengue infection. Early detection of dengue is crucial for effective management and prevention of severe complications. Several methods are available to detect dengue infection. The most commonly used diagnostic tests in Bangladesh include Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and NS1 antigen test. PCR PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Dengue test is a molecular diagnostic test used to detect the presence of the dengue virus in a person's blood sample. This test is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for the accurate identification of the dengue virus and its serotypes. Read more: Food, Drinks during Dengue: What to consume, what to avoid The PCR Dengue test works by amplifying and detecting the viral genetic material, specifically the viral RNA, present in the blood sample. The test utilizes specific primers that target regions of the dengue virus genome. Through a series of temperature cycles, the PCR machine amplifies the targeted viral RNA, making it detectable. However, the PCR dengue test is particularly useful during the early stages of infection when the virus is actively replicating in the body. It can detect the virus within seven days of symptom onset, providing a rapid diagnosis. This early detection is crucial for appropriate medical intervention, monitoring, and implementation of preventive measures. The test is recommended when an individual presents with symptoms consistent with dengue fever, such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. Since these symptoms can also be associated with other viral infections, the PCR Dengue test helps confirm whether dengue is the cause. However, the PCR test is more costly than the NS1 test. Hence, Bangladeshi hospitals use the NS1 antigen test. Read more: Dengue vs. Severe Dengue: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention NS1 The NS1 Dengue test is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of the dengue virus in the blood. NS1 stands for "nonstructural protein 1," which is a protein produced by the dengue virus during infection. The test detects the presence of this protein, indicating an active dengue infection.

The Aedes mosquito causes dengue fever. If you are bitten by a mosquito that carries the dengue virus, you will get dengue fever. The infection should not be neglected. If Dengue fever progresses to a severe stage, it can threaten life. This article will discuss the symptoms, treatments, home remedies, and preventions for dengue fever.  What is Dengue? Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The disease is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and it is estimated that there are over 400 million cases of Dengue each year. The virus that causes Dengue is called DENV, and there are four DENV serotypes. It is possible to be infected four times with the virus. However, there is no specific treatment for Dengue, but it can be prevented by protecting against mosquito bites. The Aedes mosquito typically lays its eggs in standing water, so removing sources of standing water can help to reduce the risk of dengue transmission. Read Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Signs of Dengue Fever  There are some symptoms to look for to know whether it is dengue fever or not. Such as feeling cold, loss of appetite, body aches, headache, pain in the eyes, lower back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and skin-eye redness. In the first few hours of dengue infection, pain is felt in the legs and joints. Fever can rise very quickly to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heart rate and blood pressure are low during this time. A red or pink rash may appear on the face, which then disappears. High fever and other dengue symptoms last for 2-4 days, and then the body temperature drops rapidly with sweating. Body temperature remains normal for about a day before the second rapid rise in fever, and feels healthy. Later, an itchy rash appears all over the body except the face. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet may be bright red and swollen. Read How to entertain an unwell child without screen time Severe Symptoms of Dengue  Sometimes dengue infection is very serious or fatal. It is called severe Dengue. Symptoms of severe Dengue appear 3-7 days after the initial symptoms of Dengue. People who have been infected with Dengue before are at higher risk of severe Dengue. The main symptoms of severe Dengue are severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, vomiting blood, bleeding from the gums, bleeding under the skin, difficulty or rapid breathing, feeling cold or sweating, rapid pulse, and drowsiness/loss of consciousness. If you see the symptoms of severe Dengue, you should go to the emergency department of the hospital without a moment's delay. How to Diagnose Dengue Fever  If you see any dengue symptoms or have a serious fever, you should consult a registered doctor for further investigations. Not every fever is Dengue. Self-diagnosed for Dengue leaves other common causes of fever, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, typhoid, flu, etc., undiagnosed. Read Best foods for expecting mothers Patient's signs, symptoms, and physical examination data can help to diagnose the disease. However, results may vary from the first day to the next 10 days of dengue fever in different tests. So, self-testing can be confusing. Therefore, it would be wise to let the doctor understand first.  Doctors initially diagnose Dengue through NS1, CBC, IgG, and IgM. A maximum of Tk. 500 can be charged for the dengue NS1 Antigen test. A maximum of Tk. 400 can be taken for CBC (RBC + WBC + Hematocrit) test. Apart from this, IgG and IgM tests should be done within 500 Takas. Treatment and Home Remedies of Dengue Fever  There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but there are ways to ease the symptoms. Pain relievers, rest, and fluids can help to reduce fever and pain. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary in order to receive intravenous fluids and close monitoring. Read Why do Mosquitoes bite me so much? At the initial stage, take rest and drink plenty of water or liquid food. If the body is hydrated, headaches and muscle pain will be reduced. Drink coconut water, lemon juice, fruit juice, and saline at home. Paracetamol can be taken to reduce the fever. However, a doctor's consultancy is needed if the patient has heart, liver, and kidney-related complications. Aspirin, Clofenac, and Ibuprofen-like medicines should not be taken for body pain when suffering from dengue fever. Taking such medicines during Dengue can cause bleeding. Read How to Apply for Indian Medical Visa from Bangladesh What not to do Platelets are no longer a key factor in dengue fever. There is no need to worry about the platelet count. If the platelet count falls below 10,000 or if there is bleeding from any part of the body, platelets or fresh blood can be given if necessary. However, such situations are very rare. Many people say that eating papaya leaf juice etc. increases platelets. Actually, these have no role. After the fever subsides, platelets begin to grow by themselves after the crisis period has passed. At the end of the fever, the blood pressure may drop, or there may be bleeding from the gums, nose, or rectum. If this is the case, intravenous saline may be needed. In these cases, hospital admission is required. When to go to the hospital In the case of Dengue, what kind of treatment to take, staying at home or in a hospital, depends on its type or category. There are three types or categories of dengue fever - 'A,' 'B,' and 'C.' Patients in the first category are normal. They only have a fever. Most dengue patients are in the 'A' category. They do not require hospitalization. Resting at home is enough. Read Top 10 Bathroom Plants to grow in humid environment of shower Category 'B' dengue patients may require hospitalization. Certain symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diabetes, obesity, pregnancy, congenital problems, and kidney or liver problems, are recommended for hospitalization. Category 'C' dengue fever is the worst. It can damage the liver, kidneys, and brain. In some cases, an intensive care unit or ICU may be required. So, you have to follow the doctor's instructions. Read Motorcycle Accident Prevention: Tips to Reduce the Risk of a Crash Dengue Fever Season in Bangladesh Generally, the dengue outbreak occurs from July to October in Bangladesh, as the Aedes mosquito spreads during this period. But we have to be careful throughout the year as in some years; Dengue started in June. Preventive Measures for Dengue Fever  The Aedes mosquito usually lays its eggs in clear water. So, make sure water does not stay for more than three to five days. This water can accumulate anywhere. Aedes mosquitoes breed in the water collected on the roof of the house or in the flower tub of the balcony, at various points of the building under construction, tires lying on the side of the road, or in other containers. So, check if there is any stagnant water in any places around the house. Also, use mosquito nets and spray in the house. Additionally, use mosquito repellent cream while going out or staying at home. Read Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help Final Words In Bangladesh, the Dengue death toll is rising every year. Especially in the cities and towns, many inhabitants are being affected by Dengue fever. Some prevention measures for Dengue can minimize the spread of the disease. However, all fevers are not Dengue. So, make sure you know the sign and symptoms of Dengue Fever to determine if you have it or not. You may also get affected by viral fever too. So far, we have discussed the diagnosis process of Dengue fever. Proper consultations with doctors are essential to avoid serious medical conditions. If proper treatment for Dengue fever is provided the patient can be cured. 

Some 184 dengue patients were admitted to different hospitals across the country in the last 24 hours till 8am on Wednesday.

Khagrachhari, Aug 7 (UNB) – A shortage of dengue detection kits at hospitals in eight other upazilas of the district is forcing people to throng the Sadar Hospital which has already been overwhelmed by a large number of patients.

Dhaka, Aug 2 (UNB) – Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday said concerted efforts are needed to tackle the dengue situation and eliminate aedes mosquitoes, responsible for the disease.

Dhaka, Aug 1 (UNB) – Dengue cases are still surging across the country as two more people have died and 1,712 more have been hospitalised with the mosquito-borne virus, creating panic among people.

Dhaka, July 31 (UNB) –Terming the dengue situation a humanitarian crisis, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said everyone should work together to tackle the crisis.

Dhaka, July 30 (UNB) - Almost every part of Bangladesh has now been affected by the deadly mosquito-borne disease, dengue, with cases reported from 61 districts until Tuesday.

Dhaka, July 28 (UNB) – BNP on Sunday alleged that the government is trying to establish the dengue outbreak as a rumour having failed to control the wrath of Aedes mosquito.

Dhaka, Jul 28 (UNB) – Amid the alarming rise in the number of dengue patients in the country, the government on Sunday fixed charges for diagnosing dengue and directed all the public and private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres to abide by the official instruction.