With the rainy season setting in, moms are busy preparing little umbrellas, little plastic boots, and little raincoats to protect their little ones from the weather. But we all know children getting caught in the rain isn’t the only thing moms have to worry about during this time of the year. 

While it’s possible to catch Dengue fever all throughout the year, it’s more rampant during the rainy season because stagnant, collected rainwater can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. That’s why it’s important for moms to know how to tell a simple fever or viral infection from actual Dengue fever by taking a close look at its symptoms.

Dengue Fever Symptoms In Children

1. Fever

A child with Dengue usually suffers from a high fever that comes and goes every four to six hours, and does not respond to fever-inducing medication. It’s also important to note that Dengue fever is not caused by any type of infection. So if the fever is not accompanied by coughing or trouble urinating, it’s most probably Dengue.

2. Rashes

Dengue fever is often accompanied by prominent red rashes all over the patient’s body. They usually start sprouting in hidden parts of the body because that’s where the temperature is highest.

3. Body Pains

Pain in and behind the eyes, the throat, the joins, the muscles, and/or even in the bones are symptoms of Dengue as well. The degree of pain varies depending on just how severe the virus has become.

4. Headaches

Children don’t normally complain about headaches, so you should be alarmed when they do. But if the child feels nauseous and dizzy as well, it’s important to have him or her checked so Dengue can be either ruled out or immediately treated.

5. Bleeding

Children with a severe case of Dengue may even start bleeding in the nose and gums. Once this happens, a child may have already developed Dengue shock syndrome and/or Dengue hemorrhagic fever, and will need immediate care.

Remember, symptoms only paint part of the picture of your child’s health. That’s why if he or she is showing any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is to visit a physician so tests can be taken to find out the best course of action for the child’s recovery.

Remember to never wait for serious symptoms to appear. Visit a doctor as soon as you notice something unusual in your little ones, especially when it comes to their health.

As there are four different strains of the dengue virus, severe dengue may occur when a person who has developed immunity to one strain becomes infected with another strain. Elderly patients with multiple medical conditions are also more likely to develop severe dengue. It initially presents with: 

PHASE ONE

• Fever
• Intense Headache
• Loss of Appetite
• Muscle Pain
• Nausea
• Reduction in White Blood Cells
• Skin Rashes
• Vomiting

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Less than a week after an initial onset of symptoms, the patient may display warning signs that the dengue is becoming worse. The temperature may go below 38 degrees Celsius and include:

PHASE TWO

• Bleeding of Gums and Nose
• Fluid Accumulation in the Body
• Restlessness
• Liver Enlargement
• Persistent Vomiting with Blood
• Rapid Breathing  
• Rapid Decrease in Platelet Count
• Severe Abdominal Pain

Dengue Shock Syndrome

Severe dengue fever can damage the lungs, liver, or heart. Shock may occur, and in some cases, death. The symptoms of severe dengue include:

PHASE THREE

• Black Stools
• Blood in Urine
• Respiratory Distress
• Severe Blood Plasma Leakage
• Severe Skin Bleeding with Spots of Blood on the Skin (Petechiae)
• Impairment of Liver, Heart, or Other Organs
• Changes in Mental State with Impaired Consciousness

Treatment in the ICU

Delayed treatment increases the risk for multi-organ failure or shock, which leads to death. There is no known cure for severe dengue, but ICU treatment that focuses on the symptoms includes:

• Blood and Platelet Transfusion
• Intravenous Fluids for Rehydration
• Oxygen Therapy

A patient with these warning signs of severe dengue requires urgent medical attention. Bring your loved one to the hospital near you for a much-needed intervention.