Dengue fever is a disease caused by the dengue virus that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This disease can affect anyone, including children. According to data from the Ministry of Health of Indonesia in 2020, there were 96,347 cases of dengue fever in children under 15 years old, with a mortality rate of 0.8%.
Dengue fever in children can cause serious complications if not treated quickly and properly. Therefore, it is important for parents to recognize the symptoms of dengue fever in children and how to prevent it.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever in Children
Symptoms of dengue fever in children usually appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an Aedes aegypti mosquito that is infected with the dengue virus. These symptoms can last for 2-7 days and vary depending on the severity of the disease.
Here are some symptoms of dengue fever in children that need to be aware of:
- High fever
The child's body temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius or more. This fever usually occurs suddenly and lasts for 2-5 days.
- Headache
The child may complain of severe headache, especially in the front or back of the eyes. This headache may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
- Muscle and joint pain
The child may feel muscle and joint pain throughout the body, which makes it difficult to move or be active. This pain can also spread to the bones or spine.
- Red rash
The child may experience a red rash that appears on most of the body, especially on the chest, abdomen, arms, and legs. This rash usually appears after the fever goes down or on day 3 to day 5 of the disease.
- Red spots or bruises
The child may show red spots or bruises on the skin due to bleeding under the skin. These spots or bruises can appear anywhere, but more often on the face, neck, chest, or abdomen.
- Bleeding
The child may experience bleeding from the nose (nosebleed), gums, mouth, eyes, or anus. This bleeding is caused by a blood clotting disorder due to the dengue virus.
- Shock
The child may experience shock due to loss of fluid and blood. Shock is characterized by a weak and fast pulse, low blood pressure, pale and cold skin, short and fast breathing, and decreased consciousness.
How to Prevent Dengue Fever in Children
Dengue fever in children can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites from Aedes aegypti that transmit the dengue virus. Here are some ways to prevent dengue fever in children:
- Use mosquito repellent
Apply mosquito repellent on the child's skin that is not covered by clothing, especially when outside or in places where there are many mosquitoes. Choose a mosquito repellent that is safe for children and suitable for their age.
- Use a mosquito net
Install a mosquito net on the child's bed to protect them from mosquito bites while sleeping. Make sure the mosquito net has no holes or tears that can be entered by mosquitoes.
- Wear closed clothing
Dress your child in closed clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, to reduce the area of skin exposed to mosquitoes. Choose clothing that is light-colored and not tight for comfort.
- Clean the environment
Clean the environment around the house from stagnant water or items that can hold rainwater, such as bottles, cans, tires, or flower pots. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- Get vaccinated against dengue
Dengue vaccine is one of the ways to prevent dengue fever in children that is available in Indonesia since 2019. This vaccine can be given to children aged 9-16 years who have been infected with the dengue virus before.
That's an article about how to recognize and prevent dengue fever in children. I hope it's useful and interesting for your readers.
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