With dengue now confirmed in Sokoto and Zamfara, one message will soon land in your family WhatsApp group: blend pawpaw leaves, drink the juice, and your platelets will bounce back.
There is no proof it cures dengue. Fact-checkers in India rated the claim false, and an infectious disease specialist in Pakistan warned the juice can cause vomiting, the last thing a dehydrated patient needs.
WHO says there is no specific treatment for dengue. Care means rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for pain. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, which raise the risk of bleeding.
The danger often comes after the fever drops. Severe belly pain, constant vomiting, bleeding gums or nose, or blood in vomit or stool means go to hospital immediately.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
The Health Factor Africa
Stay on top of the claims
One email a week: explainers, myth-checks, and the stories behind the headlines.
