Black fever is a type of disease that spreads through mosquitoes just like Malaria, and Dengue. It is one of the deadliest diseases. Hundreds of thousands of people die due to this disease every single year. Black fever has other names such as Dum Dum Fever, Kala azar, and Visceral Leishmaniasis. Most of the people around the world lack awareness about this deadly disease.
Its impact is high in countries like Sudan, Brazil, Bangladesh, Africa, Nepal, and India. According to a report from World Health Organisation, this disease is commonly found in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand in India.
Why is it called as Black Fever?
The color of the victim’s skin would turn black due to this disease. This is the reason why it is called as Black Fever. It is caused by the bite of a sand fly named as Phlebotomus argentips.
When this sand fly or mosquito bites a human, it leaves a little mark in place. It causes a condition called Cutaneous Leishmaniasis which makes the skin to feel senseless. Additionally, it will inject a microbial germ called as Leishmaniadonovani. This will make the disease to spread at a rapid rate.
Not all sand flies cause black fever. It is only a particular species of sand fly called “Phlebotomus argentips” that spread this disease. It spreads the disease by biting a person who is affected by black fever and then goes on to bite a healthy normal person. Dark and wet places are the breeding grounds for this sand fly. Apart from this, it also makes its livelihood in places like old and wet walls, damp and damaged woods, old tree stumps, and other similar places.
What are symptoms?
- Severe fever.
- Hungerlessness.
- Anemia.
- Tiredness.
- Excessive sweating at night.
- Excessive Hair fall.
- Blackening of the skin.
- Weight loss.
- Weight loss to the extent where the bone lines are clearly visible.
- Enlarged and swollen stomach region or spleen. Stomach appears like a big pot.
What are the tests?
If the fever continues for more than two weeks then it is a must for the patient to be tested for black fever. Black fever is detected to blood tests like RK39, Elisa, and bone marrow tests.
What are the treatments?
Fever can be brought through medications like Sodium Stibogluconate, and Amphotericin B. The time duration of the treatment may last for a month.
Who is more vulnerable?
People who are low in immunity and people with HIV positive are more vulnerable to black fever.
