Dengue symptoms can be difficult to spot symptoms in your baby, as they resemble diseases like influenza. They know how to spot dengue symptoms in infants and what to do.
Dengue, a viral infection that is primarily transmitted by mosquito bites in Aedes aegypti, can affect everyone, including babies. High fever and skin rashes are easily spotted in babies. However, it is not clear when it comes to all symptoms of dengue fever. It’s easy to assume that you’re just getting the flu, not the dengue fever. Protect your child from dengue fever amid rising cases in Indian states such as Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. Apart from knowing how to manage dengue fever in babies, you should be able to spot symptoms in your baby.
What causes dengue fever in babies?
Like adults, babies suffer from dengue fever when bitten by an infected rat mosquito that breeds in stagnant water around homes and public spaces. According to UNICEF, babies are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue disease than healthy adults due to their weak immune system.
“Exposing to busy living conditions and environments where mosquito control measures are not properly implemented can also increase risk,” says Dr. Rajiv Chabra, pediatrician. Parents may be accidentally exposing their baby to mosquitoes if they are not protected by repellents or mosquito nets. Pregnant women with dengue fever may also communicate mosquito-borne disease to small children during pregnancy or childbirth.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever in infants?
A study published in the 2010 Journal of FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology found that nausea, vomiting, rash and bleeding symptoms are higher in babies and young children.
Diagnosing dengue fever in infants can be difficult. This is because symptoms can resemble other viral infections or illnesses, such as the flu or cold. “Also, unlike adults, babies may not clearly express common dengue symptoms such as headaches and joint pain. Therefore, parents should be aware of lethargic and unusual crying,” the expert says.
Other symptoms of dengue fever in infants include:
- High fever
- I’m irritated
- My appetite is bad
- Dry the mouth
- The urination frequency is less frequent and when they do, the pee is a strong smell and a deep yellow.
- Cold hands and feet or abnormal drowsiness. This is more common in serious cases.
How to treat dengue fever in infants?
There are no medications available for treatment, so focus on managing dengue symptoms.
1. medicine
Paracetamol syrup can be handed over to your baby, but according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, follow the label instructions. “This helps reduce fever and relieve pain,” says Dr. Chabra. Do not administer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aspirin and ibuprofen to babies. According to UNICEF, these drugs can increase the risk of bleeding in babies.
2. Sponge bath
Sponge your baby’s skin with cold water to reduce the fever caused by dengue fever. However, make sure the water does not cool the ice. Stop using the sponge bath when your baby starts to tremble.
3. Hydration
Your baby may have too much fluid from fever and vomiting. “We’ll give them plenty of liquid to prevent the baby from dehydration,” says the expert. You can have them with electrolyte-based water or drinks.
Also, make sure you have nutritious foods like soups and urridges to boost your immune system.
How long does it take a baby to recover from dengue?
Recovering from dengue fever in babies usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. “Mild cases can be resolved within a week, but more serious cases, especially those involved in dengue hemorrhagic fever, can take time and require hospitalization,” the expert says. Complications such as dehydration and bleeding can slow the infant’s recovery. Rest, hydration, and proper medical supervision will help ensure a faster recovery.
How to prevent dengue fever in babies?
Preventing dengue fever in babies involves reducing mosquito exposure.
- Place a mosquito net that fits perfectly in your baby’s crib, stroller, or area to ensure that a protective barrier is created.
- To minimize exposure to the skin, dress your baby up with long sleeves and pants, and cover your feet with socks.
- It is important to eliminate stagnant water from which mosquitoes grow. Water can be easily collected in containers such as flowerpots and buckets, so emptied and covered regularly.
- Close windows and doors and use screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Avoid taking your baby outside when mosquito activity is at its peak. Usually, Aedes aegypti bites two hours after the sun rises, just before the sun sets.
- Use mosquito repellents, especially for babies, as recommended by your doctor. For example, according to UNICEF, products containing lemon eucalyptus oil or paramental herndiol should not be used on children under the age of 3.
- Clean clogged drains and drains to keep your home clean and prevent water from gathering.
- Control measures for local mosquitoes such as cloudy can also be helpful.
Dengue fever in infants is not always easy to spot, but be aware of symptoms such as fever, rash, and vomiting. There are no dengue treatment drugs, but the symptoms can be managed.
