ITANAGAR, Sept 27: Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh have issued a health advisory urging early detection of dengue and greater public awareness amid a rise in cases of sudden short-term fever in the state capital.
The advisory, issued by Itanagar Capital Region district medical officer C. Lowang Mallo on Saturday, urged residents to take preventive measures and seek medical attention if symptoms of dengue appeared.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that causes acute febrile illness generally lasting two to seven days. Common symptoms include headache, body ache, joint pain, skin rashes and retro-orbital pain, or pain behind the eyes, according to the advisory.
Residents were advised to prevent mosquito breeding by removing stagnant water, regularly cleaning water coolers and tanks, and keeping water storage containers covered. The health department also urged people to use mosquito repellents and nets, install window screens and wear full-sleeved clothing to reduce mosquito exposure.
People experiencing symptoms associated with dengue were advised against self-medication and asked to consult a doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment. The advisory specifically cautioned against taking aspirin, ibuprofen or steroids without medical advice.
