Dengue Cases Are On The Rise In India – Here’s How Your Dengue Health Insurance Policy Can Help You

One of the most dangerous diseases to exist on earth is Dengue. It is a disease caused by a mosquito known as Aedes Aegypti. It is estimated that about 4 billion people lives in areas that are prone to dengue outbreaks. ^[1] In 2021, India alone had recorded at least 1.64 lakh dengue cases. The effect that dengue can have one’s body might lead to hospitalisation for a while. However, if you or your loved one gets infected and requires hospitalisation, you need not worry about the cost of medical care. The dengue cover in your health insurance can help you and here’s more information on it.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a disease, which is spread through mosquitoes, commonly Aedes Aegypti or Aedes Albopictus. These mosquitoes mostly breed in areas where stagnant water is in abundance. Dengue can be found in many African countries, South American countries, and many Asian countries, including India (which used to have one of the highest mortality rates because of dengue). Fortunately, since 2008, this has consistently been kept below 1%, thanks to various government programmes.

Causes of Dengue

Dengue belongs to the Flaviviridae family, which also includes viruses that cause Yellow Fever and West Nile Fever. There are 4 strains of dengue: DENV1, 2,3 and 4. Each strain has its specific severity level and can cause different problems if infected.

What are the symptoms?

Most cases of dengue are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, but the disease can manifest itself as a severe flu-like illness affecting infants, young children and adults, although it is rarely fatal. It usually lasts 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. This is followed by an incubation period of 4 to 10 days. Some of the symptoms of dengue are:

1. High fever
2. Body pain (joint and muscle)
3. Severe headache
4. Nausea or vomiting
5. Pain in the eyes

Transmission of Dengue

However, there have been records of dengue transmissions through transfusions and organ donations.

Diagnosis of Dengue

One of the following tests are done to detect dengue in the body, which may be covered in your health insurance:*

1. A routine blood test can help find the virus in your body
2. One test is carried out to detect an antibody known as Immunoglobulin M, which helps combat dengue virus. Detection of the antibody indicates the presence of the virus.
3. The RNA PCR test is used to detect check signs of any external RNA in your body being introduced by the virus

Treatment of Dengue

While there is no specific course of treatment for dengue, generally painkillers are prescribed to deal with the body pain and headaches. Additionally, lots of fluids are needed to flush out the virus out of the body. Medicines are given to combat other symptoms as well. Bed rest is advised until full strength is regained. In cases of severe dengue, care by doctors and nurses experienced in the effects and progression of the disease can save lives. It reduces mortality to less than 1% in most countries.

Precautions against Dengue

You can take the following precautions against dengue:

1. Wear clothing that covers most of your body during monsoon and winter season when airborne diseases spread easily
2. Use mosquito nets on your windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your house
3. When sleeping, use mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquito bites
4. Use repellents effective against mosquitoes.
5. If there are objects and utensils with stagnant water, empty them periodically to restrict the breeding of mosquitoes

Health insurance and dengue

Your insurance can help you battle dengue by:

1. Covering the cost of hospitalisation and treatment as the cost of treating dengue is known to be quite expensive*
2. Paying for the charges of ICU and general ward*
3. Covering the cost of diagnostic tests required to detect the virus*
4. Paying for the necessary medicines*

You can find more information in your policy document. You should also look at the inclusions and exclusions of your policy.

Conclusion

With timely intervention and proper care, dengue can be easily prevented. Opting for a good health insurance policy may help you in managing yours and your loved ones’ medical needs more efficiently*. *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.