Following a battle with acute dengue, 47-year-old Dr. Swati Dey, a physician from Chandernagore, tragically died at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata on Tuesday. Dr. Dey sought medical assistance after experiencing a fever for more than a week. After her blood tests revealed that she had dengue, she started treatment on November 24 at a nearby hospital in Chandernagore.
On November 30, Dr. Dey was transferred to SSKM Hospital for more advanced care as her condition worsened despite early treatment. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at SSKM, where medical professionals kept a careful eye on her condition. Unfortunately, she experienced a common and catastrophic complication of acute dengue: a dangerously low platelet count, a crucial measure in dengue treatment.
A virus called dengue, which is spread by mosquitoes, can cause major health problems such organ damage, bleeding, and a sharp decline in platelet count. To avoid life-threatening complications, the illness frequently necessitates prompt medical attention, including blood transfusions and hydration management. Dr. Dey’s condition worsened and she died, despite the SSKM Hospital’s medical staff’s best efforts to stabilize her.
This death comes after several recent dengue-related deaths in Kolkata. Two further patients from Kamduni and South 24 Parganas passed away in city hospitals just last week as a result of the disease’s consequences. Given that the city has been dealing with a rising number of dengue cases in recent weeks, these events have sparked worries about the disease’s expanding influence in the area.
Health officials have been trying to stop the spread of dengue by raising awareness about preventive measures including removing mosquito breeding grounds. Outbreaks usually happen during the monsoon season. However, there is increased concern regarding the burden on nearby healthcare institutions and the efficacy of existing actions due to the growing number of cases and fatalities.
The tragic death of Dr. Dey serves as a warning of the risks associated with dengue, especially when it develops into a severe form. Her death has highlighted the terrible effects of the illness and left her family, coworkers, and the community in mourning.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
