The expert shared on Instagram important tests and symptoms to look for on dengue.
Experts say that apart from NS1, a video shared on social media platforms should also test IgG and IgM levels for dengue.
On the importance of these tests, the experts explain: While NS1 is a common dengue test that tells whether a person is infected with the virus or not, the levels of IgG and IgM actually decode the severity of the disease.
The NS1 test detects the non-structural protein NS1 of the dengue virus. During infection, this protein is secreted into the individual’s bloodstream. This protein can be detected during the first 7 days after infection, after which it is not recommended.
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IgM or immunoglobulin M is released into the blood during infection. The US CDC states, “As the immune system fights infection, IgM antibodies against dengue virus are detectable from 4–5 days after the onset of symptoms and can be reliably detected for approximately 12 weeks. ”
The IgG test, which is cited by Dr. Parekh as the most important part of dengue testing and diagnosis, is the test for antibodies that are released after the 14th day of infection and persist in the body for a long period of time.
Why is IgG test necessary?
A positive IgG test means that the person was previously infected with the dengue virus and has become infected again. “After you recover from dengue fever, you have long-term immunity to the type of virus that infected you – but not to the other three dengue fever virus types. This means you can become infected again in the future The other three types of virus. If you get dengue fever for the second, third, or fourth time, your risk of developing severe dengue fever increases,” say experts at MayoClinic.com.
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Dengue is caused through transmission of dengue virus or DENV by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. There are four different types of dengue virus: (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. These belong to the Flaviviridae family.
Recovering from infection can only confer immunity to that type of virus. Cross immunity is not seen in dengue cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “Cross-immunity to other serotypes after recovery is only partial and temporary. Subsequent infection (secondary infection) by other serotypes increases the risk of developing severe dengue.”
Highlighting the importance of testing, Dr. Parekh says that IgG tests will determine whether it is a second, third or fourth episode of dengue, even if the previous ones were mild and undiagnosed.
Common symptoms of dengue
The common symptoms of dengue are fever for 3-5 days, bone fracture fever, headache, body aches, itchy rash all over the body though it comes on for a while, pain behind the eyes.
The symptoms of dengue persist for about a week. Most people recover a week after infection.
In a special message to the parents, Dr Parekh advised them not to panic if the blood test report comes back positive for dengue. “A positive report for dengue does not mean that your child needs to be hospitalised, don’t panic,” says the expert.
dengue status
The WHO states, “The global incidence of dengue has increased dramatically, with almost half of the world’s population now at risk. Although there are an estimated 100–400 million infections each year, more than 80% are usually mild and asymptomatic. Huh.”
As of July 2022, the national capital Delhi had registered more than 150 cases of dengue. Till August 31, a total of 30627 dengue cases were reported in the country and 12 people died. In 2011 the total number of cases was 193245 and the number of deaths was 346.