Dengue Defense: Safeguarding Children Against Mosquito-Borne Threats

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause severe flu-like illness. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Children are particularly vulnerable to severe forms of the disease due to their developing immune systems. Dengue is caused by four different viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), which means a person can be infected up to four times.

Symptoms in Children

• High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Rash
• Mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeding)

It's important to note that symptoms usually appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last for 2-7 days.

How is Dengue Transmitted?

Dengue is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is most active during the day, especially during early morning and late afternoon. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person already infected with the dengue virus. After about a week, the mosquito can then transmit the virus to other humans through its bites. The Aedes mosquito breeds in standing water, such as in flower pots, water containers, and discarded tires.

Preventive Measures

• Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin and clothing.
• Dress children in long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
• Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially during the day.
• Remove standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
• Use mosquito coils or insecticide-treated materials in areas where your child spends time.

Treatment Options

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. The focus is on supportive care, which includes:

• Maintaining proper hydration to prevent dehydration.
• Using pain relievers such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and alleviate pain (avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as they can increase the risk of bleeding).
• Monitoring for signs of severe dengue, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or bleeding.

Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids and closer monitoring.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Bleeding gums
• Fatigue and restlessness
• Blood in vomit or stool

These could be signs of severe dengue, which requires urgent medical care to prevent life-threatening complications.

Final Thoughts

Dengue is a serious illness, especially for children, but with proper preventive measures, early diagnosis, and appropriate care, we can protect our children from its severe effects. Staying informed, vigilant, and proactive in dengue prevention can make a significant difference in safeguarding your child's health. Let's work together to keep our families and communities safe from dengue.