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Dengue In Children: Early Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know
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Dengue in children can escalate quickly, but early recognition of warning signs and timely medical intervention save lives
Dengue cases are rising at an alarming rate. In 2024 alone, more than 14 million cases were reported worldwide, with India among the worst affected regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 4 billion people are at risk of dengue infection—a number expected to reach 5 billion by 2050.
For children, dengue can be especially dangerous. Since there is no specific medicine to cure the virus, early recognition of warning signs and timely medical care can make all the difference in preventing severe complications. Dr. S Balasubramanian shares all you need to know:
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It often starts as a simple fever but can escalate to a life-threatening condition if ignored.
WHO classifies dengue into three categories:
1. Dengue without warning signs
This is the mild form of dengue. Symptoms usually include:
Sudden high fever
Headache
Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain)
Severe muscle and joint pain (known as 'break-bone fever")
Nausea or vomiting
Skin rash
Mild bleeding (from gums or nose)
2. Dengue with warning signs
This stage is more dangerous and requires close monitoring. Along with the above symptoms, children may show:
Persistent abdominal pain
Repeated vomiting
Fluid accumulation (swelling in abdomen, chest)
Bleeding from mouth, nose, or gums
Extreme tiredness or restlessness
Enlarged liver
Drop in platelet count with rising haematocrit (blood thickening)
3. Severe Dengue (Dengue Shock Syndrome)
This is the most serious form and can be life-threatening. It may cause:
Severe plasma leakage leading to shock
Difficulty breathing due to fluid in lungs
Severe bleeding
Organ damage (liver failure, heart inflammation, brain involvement)
Persistent abdominal pain (often in the upper right side)
Continuous vomiting
Unusual bleeding – gums, nose, blood in vomit or stool, heavy periods in teens
Sudden pink or flushed skin (due to rising haematocrit)
Extreme lethargy, weakness, or restlessness
Signs of fluid build-up – swollen belly, difficulty breathing
Fever subsiding but child becoming more lethargic (a red flag for severe dengue)
Tip for Parents: If your child has dengue symptoms, don't be reassured just because the fever drops. Sometimes the danger begins when the fever goes away.
Treatment and Home Care
Since there is no antiviral cure, treatment is supportive:
Give adequate fluids (ORS, water, soups) to prevent dehydration
Use Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) for fever but avoid overdosage as it can harm the liver
Never give Ibuprofen or Aspirin (they increase bleeding risk)
Monitor your child's condition closely and visit a doctor if symptoms worsen
When to Seek Emergency Help Immediately
Rush your child to the nearest hospital if you notice:
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Bleeding (nose, gums, vomit, stool, skin spots)
Breathing difficulty
Extreme tiredness or unusual behavior
Rapidly dropping platelet count in blood reports
Can Dengue Be Prevented?
Yes, prevention is the best protection. Simple steps include:
Using mosquito repellents and protective clothing
Sleeping under mosquito nets
Eliminating stagnant water around the house (where mosquitoes breed)
Keeping windows and doors screened
Final Word for Parents
Dengue in children can escalate quickly, but early recognition of warning signs and timely medical intervention save lives. If your child has fever and any of the warning signs above, seek medical care without delay.
Remember: It's better to act early than wait and risk severe dengue.
First Published:
August 20, 2025, 13:02 IST
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