Dengue in Children: Early symptoms, risks, and how to protect your child this season

Dengue fever is spreading through cities and villages alike, and children are bearing much of the brunt. Unlike adults, whose bodies withstand sudden fluid loss better, children can worsen quickly. What starts as a harmless fever can ,within days, turn into a serious medical emergency. Doctors are urging parents not to dismiss even mild illness in children when dengue is known to be in the air.

Dengue is caused by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. While it is a dangerous diseases for people of all ages, in children the illness often plays out differently. “In children, the immune systems are still learning to fight infections. The body sometimes overreacts to the virus, leading to plasma leakage”, shares Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. “Because their blood volume is smaller, even slight leakage (fluid leaks from blood vessels) can push them into shock. This makes dengue more dangerous for children”, says  Dr Tayal.

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Unlike adults, who often suffer high fever, headache, and joint pain, children may show only subtle signs. “Parents may notice mild fever, tummy ache, vomiting, poor appetite, or unusual tiredness  .These can look like a common viral infection”, informs Dr Tayal. “The danger is that valuable time is lost,”  He warns parents to be extra watchful during dengue season. “If a fever lasts beyond two days or if worrying signs such as bleeding gums, constant vomiting, or extreme sleepiness appear, it is advised to seek medical help immediately", he adds.