Dengue fever in children is pretty common. It is a viral illness due to the dengue virus (DENV) spread through infected mosquitoes. Females of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit dengue among humans. There are four types of dengue virus, so a child can get infections with a different type than before. There is no specific cure, and the disease is managed with symptomatic and supportive treatments. Doctors may recommend home treatment for mild dengue. Severe dengue requires hospitalization due to the increased risk for serious complications (1). Read on to know the cause, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dengue in children.
How Common Is Dengue In Children and How Does It Spread?
According to WHO, severe dengue prevalent in some Asian and Latin American countries is one of the leading causes for hospitalization of children and adults alike (1). Also, Children under the age of two years, and those with compromised immunity, are more prone to dengue infections (2). Dengue virus spreads when a mosquito contracts the virus by biting a dengue-infected person, and then bites a healthy child, transferring the virus into the child’s body (3). These carrier mosquitoes breed in still waters such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, and flowerpots, and feed on human blood.
Symptoms Of Dengue Fever In Children
Dengue in children is often difficult to diagnose, as the initial symptom is fever. Also, the symptoms usually vary between mild and severe dengue infections.
Symptoms of mild dengue
Mild infection would show flu-like symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose. These symptoms usually last for two to seven days and would appear after four to 10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.
High fever of 40℃/104℉. Severe headache Nausea, vomiting Swollen glands Muscle and joint pains Pain behind the eyes Skin rash
Symptoms of severe dengue fever
It is crucial that you watch out for the symptoms of severe dengue infection in children as these appear three to seven days after the first symptoms are seen, and are accompanied by a decrease in temperature, which may seem like the body temperature becoming normal. Severe dengue can cause serious complications, such as fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, and organ impairment. Its symptoms are:
A decrease in temperature to below 38℃/100℉ Severe abdominal pain Rapid breathing Continuous vomiting
Bleeding gums Blood in vomit Fatigue Restlessness A drop in the platelet count
Doctors say that 24-48 hours after the onset of these symptoms is a crucial period, as it can turn out to be lethal. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your child to the hospital to prevent serious complications (4).
Diagnosis Of Dengue Fever In Children
You must carefully monitor your child for the above symptoms, as the symptoms of dengue are subtle in children. If your child is suffering from fever that lasts more than three to four days and is accompanied by skin rash, take your child to the doctor. The doctor would conduct a physical examination of your child, enquire about the medical and travel history, and also do blood tests to determine dengue infection.
Treatment For Dengue Fever In Children
There is no specific medicine to treat dengue fever. However, with few home care tips, you can help relieve the symptoms in your child, until the body’s immunity fights off the virus by itself. Also, it is essential to take your child to a doctor before trying any home remedies, as severe cases of dengue can be lethal. Your doctor is the best person to determine the stage of dengue infection and might suggest the following home care in case of mild dengue. Usually, these symptoms start to fade away within a week. But even as the fever goes away, you need to be extra careful for the next 24-48 hours as your child might develop the symptoms of severe dengue infection, also known as dengue shock. Children who feel unwell even after the fever goes away are likely to develop dengue shock (5). If you notice that the existing symptoms are worsening or if any new complications have developed, such as a reduction in urine output, then you should immediately take your child to the emergency room as dengue shock could be lethal. In case of severe dengue infection, with careful medical attention, your child would then enter into the recovery phase, which can be identified when general well-being increases, appetite returns, and abdominal pain reduces (6).
Prevention Of Dengue In Children
Carrier prevention is one of the preventive measure you should follow Here is how you can protect your children from dengue.
Keep your surroundings clean and do not let water logging in the drains as that is the ideal condition for mosquitoes to breed.
Make sure your windows and doors have wire mesh proofing to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
If your children are playing outdoors, make them wear long sleeves and try to cover most of the body parts.
You can also apply mosquito repellent creams on your children’s hands and legs to prevent mosquito bites.
Discourage your children from playing outside during early hours of dawn or dusk as mosquito activity is high during that time.
Cover the water storage units with lids and change the water every three-four days and clean the storage units thoroughly to prevent mosquito breeding.
Spray insecticides or larvicides on plants and areas surrounding your house to prevent mosquito breeding.
Use mosquito nets, mosquito coils, or sprays in your child’s bedroom.
A variety of fish that feed on mosquito larvae could be bred in waterlogged places such as ponds, backyard ponds. Avoid consuming them.
Have a proper disposable plan for solid wet waste, which could attract mosquitoes to breed.
Give your children nutrient-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, pulses, and grains, to boost their immune system.
Always keep the children away from family members who have dengue fever.
