Nearly 95% of the children (under 15) are affected by dengue annually, which makes one of the common viral infections in India. And the cases are continuously growing every year due to climate change and rapid, unplanned urbanisation.
Although dengue fever is considered normal because every season children face it, it is important to know that dengue in children can be controlled, and they can be protected with precautions. Not only that, but there are warning signs that also need medical attention, and every parent needs to know that.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a virus which happen because of the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. And don’t worry, this is not contagious because it only happens because of a mosquito bite.
Note: When a child comes into contact with dengue fever, it is caused by one of the four strains of the dengue virus. Even though they are vaccinated, and their immunity is building to protect them from the virus, they can still be impacted by this.
When does dengue usually spread?
It typically starts during summer, from the beginning of April, and spikes during the monsoon season. As humidity increases, this becomes an ideal condition for dengue mosquitoes to breed. Unhygienic places, contaminated water, clogged tyres or pipes, collected garbage, and flowerpots filled with dirty water are perfect places for them to grow.
A mosquito becomes infected after it takes a bite from someone carrying the disease. It happens from 2 days before symptoms start up until 2 days after the fever goes down. The more viruses, the greater the chance of infection, as per the WHO.
Maternal transmission is another way which spread dengue fever. If a pregnant woman gets infected by the virus, then there are possibilities that their child may face challenges due to this. It can also lead to low birthweight, pre-term birth or even fetal distress.
Who is most likely to be impacted?
Children under 15 are most vulnerable to being impacted by dengue. They often play outside, go to school, and expose themselves to the elements, which increases the risk for them. As you know, children are most likely to be impacted, so as parents, it is your responsibility to take precaution on right time. And if your child is dealing with a health condition and their immune system is weaker than that of other children, then take extra precautions.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
- Muscles and joints pain
- High fever
- Pain behind the eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slight rashes on the body
Warning signs that need immediate medical attention
Sometimes dengue fever is not just a fever; it can become a medical emergency. 1 out of 20 people get extremely sick because of dengue, and the most shocking is that it can lead to internal bleeding and even death (highly rare cases). So, if you notice dengue symptoms in your child that are not normal, then don’t delay in seeking treatment. Below list are the symptms-
- Frequent vomiting (2 to 3 times within 24 hours)
- Blood in urine, stool, or vomiting
- Extreme fatigue, restlessness, irritability, or confusion
- Belly pain which does not go away even after medication
- Bleeding from the gums or nose
- Cold and pale skin
- Easily brushed
- Persistent abdominal pain
Note: The warning started to appear within 24 to 48 hours after the body temperature returned to normal.
Prevent your child
Methods of preventing dengue
- Since dengue mosquitoes attack during the day, prevention measures should be taken during the day.
- Protection from bites
- Wearing protective clothing to cover most of the body parts
- If one takes naps during the day, use an insecticide-treated mosquito net
- Window screening
- Use of mosquito repellents that contain DEET, Picardin and IR3535
- Indoor use of insect coil and vaporiser
Prevention of mosquitoes breeding
- Control of the environment through modification, such that no place is left for mosquito breeding
- Good waste management and removal of water receptacles
- Cleaning and draining water containers used for storage purposes
- Insecticides for outdoor water storage receptacles
If your child gets dengue:
- Make sure your child is getting proper rest and takes plenty of fluids
- You can consider paracetamol to relieve pain and fever, but it is best to consult a doctor first
- Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs since they cause bleeding
- Monitor any symptoms and seek medical advice urgently
Vaccination for dengue fever
There is currently only one vaccine that is commercially available against the dengue virus, and that is called Qdenga. But this vaccine has been approved only for people aged between 6 and 16 years.
Why choose Cradle Children’s Hospital for dengue fever?
Apart from offering treatment, you need an individual with full awareness of children. Cradle Children’s Hospital Jaipur is here to help you with this task. The patients of Cradle Children Hospital Jaipur with dengue disease are looked after by professional paediatricians who monitor the platelets, hydration, and symptoms that complicate the situation. Cradle Children Hospital Jaipur is fully equipped to offer pediatric emergency services round the clock. The atmosphere inside the premises of Cradle Children Hospital Jaipur is relaxing for both the kids and their parents.
Conclusion
There is no such disease that can be less scary for parents, but with the early identification of its signs and proper medical attention, your children will be able to beat it. All the precautions that you would take for your children at your place are going to be useful, but you should also know whom to approach when something goes wrong. If you want your child to be looked after properly by experts in Jaipur in case of dengue fever, then visit Cradle Children Hospital and protect your child.
