Dengue is one of the common mosquito-borne diseases in India. Not just in India, the dengue virus is seen in many parts of the world, majorly in tropical and subtropical areas. It is a viral infection which can result in symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and a rash. Dengue in babies can sometimes lead to serious complications, but a timely doctor consultation can help in speedy recovery.
Now, the fear is real when it comes to babies contracting mosquito-borne infections like dengue. As a parent, you would take every possible precaution to protect your little one from falling ill. Despite that, if your baby gets dengue, prompt medical care can definitely ensure their well-being. This article is going to take you through everything you need to know about Dengue in babies, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
In This Article
- What is Dengue?
- What Causes Dengue in Babies?
- Top Symptoms of Dengue in Babies
- How to Deal With Symptoms of Dengue in Infants?
- How is Dengue Diagnosed in Babies?
- What Are the Treatment Options For Dengue Fever in Babies?
- Home Care and Home Remedies For Treating Dengue in Babies
- How to Prevent Dengue?
- FAQ’s
What is Dengue?
Dengue is an illness caused by mosquito bites. It leaves you with pain in the entire body, fever, headaches, and rashes. Being a parent, it is natural to worry about the possibility of your baby suffering from dengue when symptoms appear. Babies should be protected from this virus as it can become severe and need a medical examination.
In the past, dengue fever was called ‘breakbone’ fever which gives the impression that it can cause the breaking of bones but it does not.
What Causes Dengue in Babies?
Dengue fever in babies is caused by the biting of a particular mosquito species, which is commonly found in tropical areas. It is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. A species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti can carry the dengue virus from an infected person to a healthy baby.
These mosquitoes bite specifically during the daytime as they are active during the day and need a warm and humid climate to breed. They get active during the monsoon and breed in stagnant waters. Thus, the chances of getting dengue increase during the monsoons.
As parents, you may need to take extra care to keep your baby safe from mosquito bites during the rainy season. Mosquito nets and meshes are an affordable way of doing this. Also, ensure that there is no stagnant water in your house and in your surroundings.
Top Symptoms of Dengue in Babies
It is difficult to recognize symptoms of Dengue in babies. A fever above 100.4 is a point of concern and may need medical attention. The other symptoms include the following:
- More than usual sleepiness
- Low fever (96.6C)
- Constant crying (more than usual)
- Irritability which can happen due to aches in pains in the body
- Rashes
- Unusual bleeding from gums, nose, or bruises.
- Vomiting multiple times in a day
How to Deal With Symptoms of Dengue in Infants?
Symptoms of dengue are usually mild in babies and in those who get the disease for the first time. It is important to consult your physician if your baby gets rashes and fever along with body aches.
Here are a few steps you can take to help your baby who is suffering from dengue.
1. Try to Bring the Fever Under Control
If your doctor has prescribed any medications, do give them to your baby as per schedule. Sponging can help bring down high temperatures. Ensure that you do not overpack your baby with clothing. Allow proper air circulation in the room.
[Read : How To Bring Down A Fever In Babies?]
2. Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Ensure that your baby is having enough fluids. If your baby is breastfeeding, you can feed your baby on demand.
3. Lookout For Dehydration Symptoms
If you feel that your baby is experiencing dehydration, do consult the pediatrician immediately to understand the further course of action.
As there is no specific treatment for dengue, take the advice of the health care provider in curing the illness. Do not delay and rush to the hospital, if you see dengue symptoms in your baby. Anti-inflammatory pills are a ‘No-No’ for your baby as they would affect blood platelets.
Dengue symptoms in infants are not always prominent and can often get confused with other viral infections. A severe form of dengue may lead to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome. The baby with DHF will show regular symptoms for a week. But once the fever eases, the symptoms may worsen like breathing difficulties, eye pain and gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea.
How is Dengue Diagnosed in Babies?
Doctors recommend a blood test to confirm dengue. A detailed blood test is vital to identify the severity of the infection as it affects the blood platelets. The pediatrician will do a complete checkup and understand the symptoms depending on which confirmatory tests will be done. Your doctor may also ask for travel history. Once the reports are back, the doctor may recommend medications and further treatment options.
What Are the Treatment Options For Dengue Fever in Babies?
Dengue fever doesn’t have any specific treatments since it is a viral infection. The doctor will prescribe medications to provide relief from the severity of the symptoms that the baby is experiencing.
The doctor may prescribe certain fever and pain-relieving medications to help the baby feel better.
It is important to note that not all medications are safe since some may result in a further drop in platelet count. Low platelet count is one common condition seen in dengue.
In case of severe dehydration, your pediatrician may recommend IV fluids to replenish the lost fluids.
In most cases, though, mild infections can be taken care of at home. Ensure that you keep the doctor update regularly about your baby’s condition.
Babies with severe Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever should be hospitalized and given fluid replacement therapy. It can be treated easily if it is diagnosed at the earliest. If your baby starts vomiting multiple times in a day, rush to the hospital.
[Read : Vomiting in Babies]
Home Care and Home Remedies For Treating Dengue in Babies
Here are some pointers you must beat in mind when taking care of your baby who has dengue
- Ensure that your baby gets plenty of rest.
- Make sure your baby is not dehydrated.
- Babies who are less than six months old should only drink breast milk.
- Babies who are older than six months can take other liquids like water and soups.
- Make sure that your baby has enough nutrition through the recovery period. This will help improve their immunity levels and recover quickly.
- Do not give Ibuprofen or Aspirin without your doctor’s permission.
[Read : Ibuprofen And Paracetamol For Your Children – Good Or Bad?]
How to Prevent Dengue?
Although contracting dengue fever is concerning, the good news is, you can prevent it if you take care of the following things
- Do not let water accumulate in and around your house. Keep your babies away from mosquitoes.
- Use mosquito repellent for babies and keep your babies away from dirt.
- Dress your baby in long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes.
- Use mosquito nets at night.
- Air-conditioned rooms are good for keeping mosquitoes away.
The global cases of dengue have grown in recent times. But most of the cases are mild and asymptomatic. Dengue virus infections are mostly mild, but they may get severe and can cause complications. Dengue in babies can be well treated with timely consultation and prompt medical care. So, it is important to watch for symptoms carefully. Do not hesitate to call your doctor if you see anything abnormal in your baby.
FAQ’s
1. How Long Will Dengue Last?
Symptoms of dengue will last for 2-7 days. Most people will recover after a week.
2. What Are the Stages of Dengue Fever?
Dengue has three stages
- Stage 1 is when the patient has a fever between the first five days along with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If your baby looks weak and does not eat or drink sufficiently then you should seek medical help urgently.
- Stage 2 is critical as the temperature drops down within 24 hours from 5-7 days. With the drop in temperature, the plasma leaks, and blood pressure levels will drop. The patient will feel weak, restless, catch cold, fast pulse, etc. Severe cases may even require critical care.
- Stage 3 is a recovery stage when the patient takes a few more days to recover and get back to normal. The patient at this stage gains back his/her appetite, pulse rate slows down, and develops a convalescent rash on the legs and arms.
Read Also: Malaria in Babies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
