New strand of Dengue virus raises concerns of health authorities

DENV3 can cause multiple organ failure

Bhopal: A warning issued by the WHO regarding a new strand of dengue virus has raised concerns in the health department. The dengue virus has four types which are known as DENV1, DENV2, DENV3 and DENV4. Out of these four types, DENV1, 2 and 3 are found in India – with DENV1 and 2 found predominantly in central and north India and DENV3 in the south India. But in the course of time, the DENV3 has reached central India.

This change in the RNA strand of virus has made it more dangerous. The DENV3 is capable of causing Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, which leads to multiple organ failure and internal bleeding within a week of incubation.

Also, the pathogenicity of this strand is also different i.e. the symptoms are different for different virus strands. According to Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary, Assistant Professor, biochemistry, AIIMS Bhopal the change in the strand in Madhya Pradesh has taken place through a carrier of DENV3 from southern parts of India. The speed of replication also increases with this virus.

Dr. T Karuna, Assistant Professor, Microbiology, AIIMS Bhopal, said “The change in the strand of dengue virus is more dangerous for those who have suffered with dengue earlier. The body develops antibodies against a particular type and when the same person gets infected with another type of virus, the body starts developing antibodies against the new type. The conflict between the two different antibodies leads to haemorrhage. The chances of death of the patient suffering from hemorrhagic fever rise by 70 per cent as the virus starts damaging body organs.

Vomiting blood is the initial symptom of haemorrhagic fever followed by skin rash, temperature fluctuations, severe retro-orbital pain and unconsciousness The reason for deaths due to dengue is the haemorrhagic fever caused by delayed or wrong treatment.

Dr. Himanshu Jayswar, State Programme head, National Vector Borne Disease Control Program said, “In Madhya Pradesh, a combination of DENV1 and 2 were seen but the presence of DENV3 is yet to be confirmed. But we have already begun testing of the samples for the presence of DENV3″.

CMHO says Dengue not yet a threat in city

CMHO Dr. Veena Sinha says that dengue patients are coming in very small numbers to hospitals in the city. On Thursday only three samples were sent for test and that too for Malaria. Out of five dengue patients reported till now, three were from Bengaluru and one from Vidisha.