Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, presents a significant public health challenge worldwide. While it can affect individuals of all ages, certain age groups are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes. Understanding how dengue impacts different age demographics is important for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Children under five years
Young children, especially those under the age of five, are highly susceptible to severe dengue, says Dr Manisha Arora, director internal medicine at the CK Birla hospital®, Delhi.
Their developing immune systems and smaller body size make them more vulnerable to the virus. Dengue symptoms in this age group can escalate rapidly, often leading to serious complications such as dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). These severe forms of dengue are characterised by bleeding, blood plasma leakage, and dangerously low blood pressure, says Dr Arora.
The swift progression from mild symptoms to severe illness necessitates prompt medical intervention. Moreover, infants born to mothers who have had dengue are at an increased risk of severe infection during their first year of life due to the presence of maternal antibodies, which can enhance viral replication.
Adults over fifty years
Adults over fifty years of age are increasingly affected by severe dengue. This demographic shift is linked to the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases among older adults. These chronic diseases exacerbate the severity of dengue, making it more likely for older individuals to experience severe outcomes, including DHF and DSS.
The immune response in older adults may be less effective, and their bodies less resilient, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased mortality rates. Additionally, the aging population's increased exposure to the virus in endemic areas further elevates their risk, says Dr Arora.
General impact across age groups
While children under five and adults over fifty are the most vulnerable, dengue can have severe impacts across all age groups. The clinical presentation of dengue varies widely, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe, life-threatening illness.
Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Without timely and appropriate medical care, severe dengue can lead to serious complications such as organ failure and death.
Preventive measures
To mitigate the impact of dengue across different age groups, comprehensive prevention strategies is important, suggests Dr Arora. These include mosquito control measures, public health education, and vaccination efforts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that endemic countries implement integrated vector management (IVM) to reduce mosquito populations. Public health campaigns should focus on educating communities about the importance of eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents, and ensuring proper sanitation. Additionally, the development and distribution of dengue vaccines offer a promising avenue for reducing the disease burden.
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