Amid the ongoing hot weather and rainfall, the chances of fever and other health issues are on the rise.
If someone has a fever, it is important to determine whether it is due to dengue. Diagnosing dengue solely based on medical history or physical examination can be challenging, making blood tests necessary.
Typically, a specific antigen, called NS1, appears in the blood from the very first day of dengue fever and starts to decrease after four to five days.
Antibodies against the virus, known as IgM (Immunoglobulin M), appear in the blood after four to five days. After 9-10 days, IgM decreases and IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies appear, remaining in the blood for a long time.
Therefore, only one or two blood tests can indicate the presence of dengue. However, the test results may change over time, and a negative test does not necessarily rule out dengue.
Dengue testing is usually accompanied by a CBC (Complete Blood Count), which, while not confirming dengue, helps to understand its complications.
Given the complexities of dengue testing, self-testing can lead to misunderstandings.
Another dengue death reported in BangladeshConsulting a doctor if during fever is crucial, as dengue may require additional tests. Some tests are also necessary to check for complications or to rule out other causes such as typhoid or urinary infections. It is important to note when the first fever occurred.
Key points for dengue testing:
- NS1 Antigen Test: It should be done within the first four to five days of fever. The antigen becomes negative after five days.
- Antibody Tests: It should be conducted after the antigen test period. IgM is positive within 5-10 days, followed by IgG.
- CBC Test: It can be done at any time and may need to be repeated to monitor hematocrit and platelet fluctuations.
