Imlisanen Jamir
Over the past months, Nagaland has been gripped by a rising tide of Dengue cases. The ordeal of one family, my own, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges posed by this mosquito-borne disease and the critical lessons we must learn to combat it effectively.
The journey began with a searing headache, body pains, and relentless fever and chills. My mother, the patient in question, initially sought relief through over-the-counter medication, but Dengue's relentless grip soon became evident. Symptoms ebbed and flowed, leaving her bedridden, weakened, and devoid of appetite for both food and water.
A complete blood count test revealed her platelet count teetering on the edge of normalcy. A local physician, upon examining her, swiftly diagnosed it as Dengue and prescribed medications for fever and body aches, along with papaya leaf extract tablets. Despite adhering to this regimen, her symptoms showed no sign of abating.
On the second day of symptoms, we decided to seek medical attention at a hospital. The verdict: dehydration and a precipitous drop in platelet count. Admission was advised, a daunting task given the strain Dengue had placed on healthcare facilities throughout Nagaland.
Securing a hospital room was a challenge, even in Dimapur, Nagaland's largest town, where Dengue had overwhelmed hospital capacities. What ensued was a four-day ordeal of intravenous drips, medications, and continuous monitoring of platelet counts. The count plummeted alarmingly, dipping below 20,000 per microlitre of blood, a level where spontaneous bleeding becomes a serious concern.
One crucial aspect of Dengue treatment is platelet transfusion. However, this decision often hinges on the consulting physician's judgment, leading to varying recommendations and adding stress to patients and their families. The lack of consensus in medical practice underscores the need for standardized guidelines.
My mother's condition eventually necessitated platelet transfusion, but this journey into the world of donors unveiled a grim reality. Hundreds of Dengue patients in the state were desperately searching for blood donors. With my mother's rare O Negative blood type, the search became a stressful ordeal.
I made nearly 500 phone calls, tapping into contacts from friends, colleagues, and even strangers who eagerly offered to help. This firsthand experience highlighted the anxiety and stress endured by Dengue patients and their families. Through persistence and fortune, we managed to secure a few O Negative blood donors, ultimately raising my mother's platelet count and bringing her closer to recovery.
The Dengue epidemic, regardless of official classification, has cast a long shadow over Nagaland. Its impact extends beyond the realm of healthcare, affecting the availability and cost of fruits and vegetables claimed to boost platelet counts, the dwindling pool of registered blood donors, and the push by pharmacists for specific medications. This multifaceted crisis demands comprehensive solutions.
From this harrowing experience, several lessons emerged. Firstly, alongside preventive measures, we need a preparedness plan for the next Dengue season. This should include a network involving voluntary donors, donor organizations, private medical centers, district hospitals, and blood banks. These stakeholders must collaborate, strategize, and ensure the availability of platelets.
Secondly, there is a need to establish mechanisms for maintaining a reserve of donors ready for deployment when needed. Balancing blood donation camps to avoid depleting existing blood bank stocks poses a challenge but is crucial for building a buffer donor system.
Thirdly, it's imperative to conduct awareness workshops on Dengue treatment for healthcare professionals. Physicians should engage in open dialogue to harmonize treatment approaches, drawing on their diverse experiences and perspectives.
Looking to the future, we should explore options for intercity blood and platelet transportation and establish a network where hospitals can coordinate and maintain donor records. Such innovations will be critical in effectively managing Dengue outbreaks.
The Dengue outbreak in Nagaland has highlighted the urgency of a coordinated, proactive response. The lessons learned from my family's experience underscore the need for a multifaceted strategy involving all stakeholders, from donors to healthcare providers, to combat this public health crisis effectively. Dengue may be relentless, but so too must be our commitment to preparedness and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
