Dengue Fever in Children: The Risks and How to Avoid Them
Dengue fever can infect anyone regardless of age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue fever can resemble a common cold and may affect babies, children, and adults.[1] How is dengue fever different in children from adults? What is the risk of dengue fever in children? Let's find out more.
Recognise Dengue Fever Signs & Symptoms In Children
Keep an eye on your child when they have a high fever. The following symptoms[1] may accompany dengue fever in children:
- Fever that reaches up to 40°C
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Rashes on the skin
Treatment and Risk of Severe Dengue
While the symptoms of dengue in children and adults are similar, the Malaysian Ministry of Health's Clinical Practice Guide shares that the following traits make children more prone to severe dengue[2]:
- Female
- Age more than 5 years
- Obesity
- A second infection by dengue virus
Depending on the severity, children with dengue fever can be treated at home or may require hospital treatment and monitoring.
There is no treatment for dengue, only supportive care that addresses pain and dehydration.[3],[4] Fluid intake is one of the most important aspects that need to be monitored in severe dengue patients, especially in children.[5]
WHO recorded an increase in dengue mortality from the year 2000 to 2015 which mostly affects younger individuals.[1] WHO recommends vaccination for children between the ages of 6 to 16 years old in settings with high dengue burden.[1]
How To Diagnose Dengue Fever in Children?
Doctors may conclude a diagnosis of dengue after an evaluation of medical and social history alongside a physical examination alone. However, some doctors may request alaboratory test, which may require blood withdrawal, for the confirmation of dengue.[2]
When unsure if your child is presenting symptoms of dengue, it is better to get a doctor’s opinion as there may be overlapping symptoms with other diseases. Dengue can become serious quickly, always consult your doctor when in doubt.
How To Protect Your Children From Dengue?
Prevention is always the best form of protection. Protecting your child from the Aedes mosquito is very important to protect them from dengue. Here are some things that you can do to prevent your child from getting dengue[6],[7]:
Clear your home of mosquito breeding grounds:
- Ensure your drains and gutters run smoothly. Make sure there is no stagnant water
- Dispose of water reservoirs such as basins, flowerpots, old tires, and others
- Dispose of your garbage properly as something small like plastics can hold water and become a breeding container for mosquitoes
Protect your child from getting bitten by mosquitoes – both indoors and outdoors:
- Dress your child in long-sleeved, brightly coloured clothing
- Use insect repellents such as those containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535), or oil of lemon eucalyptus[8]
- Avoid having children playing outside when the Aedes mosquito is active, which is at dawn and dusk
- Fix a mosquito net to your child's bed
- Use a mosquito net on a baby stroller when strolling outdoors
- Consult your doctor about prevention methods including vaccination
Everyone is at risk of mosquito-borne diseases. You can act against dengue by taking the above preventive methods.
References
- World Health Organization. Dengue and severe dengue | Link | Accessed on September 29, 2022
- Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. (2020). Clinical Practice Guidelines - Management of Dengue In Children (Second Edition) | Link | Accessed on September 29, 2022
- MIMs. Dengue - Supportive Therapy. MIMS Malaysia | Link | September 29, 2022
- MIMs. Dengue - Treatment. MIMs Malaysia | Link | September 29, 2022
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, October 31). Caring for a child or family member sick with Dengue | Link | September 29, 2022
- Demam Denggi. InfoSihat | Link | September 29, 2022
- Kaur, J. (2021, September 29). Demam Denggi. PORTAL MyHEALTH | Link | September 29, 2022
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May). Repellents: Protecting Yourself from Mosquitoes. Link | Accessed on September 29, 2022
C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0388 FEB 2025
This article is brought to you by Takeda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Disclaimer: This information is available to the public for information purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice.
Written By Sofia Farudz, MBBS Bch BAO, National University of Ireland, Galway on
Reviewed By DoctorOnCall Panel Doctor
