As many as 252 people have died of dengue fever in Indonesia since early this year while the number of dengue cases in the country has reached 15,005, Health Ministry spokesperson Lily S Sulistyowati said in a press conference, reported by Xinhua.
West Java saw the largest number of dengue cases, followed by Jakarta, East Java and Central Java. Dengue fever outbreaks remained a serious threat, especially in Jakarta following the recent floods in the capital city, she said.
Dengue fever is a disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitos. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with headache, fever, prostration, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy) and rash. The presence (the “dengue triad”) of fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) is particularly characteristic of dengue.
The mainstay of treatment is supportive therapy. The patient is encouraged to keep up oral intake, especially of oral fluids. If the patient is unable to maintain oral intake, supplementation with intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent dehydration and significant hemoconcentration. A platelet transfusion is rarely indicated if the platelet level drops significantly or if there is significant bleeding. But the transfusion is recommendable on platelet count falling below 20,000 without hemorrhage / bleeding or approx 50,000 with hemorrhage/bleeding. Internal bleeding indicated by dark color of stools, other bleedings indicated at surface as red rashes all over or most of the body parts.