Delhi's climate and population density make tropical infectious diseases a significant health burden. Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and scrub typhus present with overlapping symptoms — fever, joint pain, rash, and fatigue — making accurate diagnosis essential. Misdiagnosis leads to inappropriate treatment and delayed recovery. Dr. Kakar has published extensively on dengue (platelet transfusion thresholds, immature platelet fraction), scrub typhus ('resurfacing of scrub typhus'), and malaria — and received the Indian Health Summit Award 2025 for his work on battling dengue. He also led a clinical trial on dengue outcomes and has guided multiple postgraduate theses on tropical fever management.
About This Service
What is dengue & tropical fevers?
Symptoms & Signs
When should you seek care?
High-grade fever (often 39–40°C) lasting more than 3 days
Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
Body ache, joint pain, and muscle pain
Skin rash (may appear after 2–5 days of fever)
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Bleeding from gums, nose, or bruising easily (severe dengue)
Severe fatigue and weakness during and after illness
Chills and rigors (malaria and scrub typhus)
Clinical Approach
How Dr. Kakar approaches treatment.
Correct identification of the causative organism is the first step — through NS1 antigen, IgM/IgG serology, blood smear, or PCR as appropriate. Dr. Kakar avoids unnecessary platelet transfusions in dengue (his published research helped establish safer thresholds) and tailors antibiotic therapy for scrub typhus and leptospirosis. Patients are monitored for warning signs of severe disease — plasma leakage, organ involvement — and hospitalised when needed. Post-fever fatigue and joint pain (post-chikungunya arthritis) are also managed.
When to Seek Help
When to see a specialist.
Clinical Guidance
Seek medical review promptly for any fever lasting more than 3 days, especially if accompanied by rash, joint pain, or bleeding. In Delhi, dengue and scrub typhus are common and can deteriorate rapidly — early evaluation prevents serious complications.