Dengue recovery in children

Overview

Dengue is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes. It causes high fever, body aches, and sometimes a rash. Most children recover with rest and plenty of fluids, but some need hospital care to prevent complications.

Yes, dengue is common in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including parts of Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Outbreaks can occur in areas where the Aedes mosquito lives.

Dengue can affect children of all ages, especially those living in or traveling to areas where the virus is present. Young children and those with previous dengue infections may have more severe symptoms.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High fever (often above 38.5 °C / 101 °F)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain (sometimes called 'breakbone fever')
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Rash (small red spots appearing on the skin)

Symptoms in children

• Similar symptoms to adults but can be milder
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Lethargy (unusual sleepiness or lack of energy)
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting (may contain blood in severe cases)
• Bleeding from the nose or gums (in severe dengue)

Symptoms in older adults

• Higher risk of severe dengue
• More intense pain and fever
• Rapid dehydration
• Increased chance of bleeding complications
• Lower blood pressure (shock)

Causes

Main causes

• Dengue virus – spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (mostly Aedes aegypti). The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person with the virus and then spreads it to others.

Risk factors

• Living in or traveling to areas where dengue is common (tropical and subtropical regions)
• Not using mosquito protection such as nets, repellent, or screens
• Previous dengue infection (second infection increases risk of severe dengue)
• Weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has ANY of the emergency symptoms listed above – call your local emergency number immediately.
• If the fever does not improve after 3 days
• If your child seems very dehydrated or is unable to drink fluids

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your child has a fever and you suspect dengue, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and care plan.
• After recovery, a follow-up visit may be needed to ensure no complications (such as low platelets) are developing.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose dengue based on your child's symptoms, a physical exam, and travel history. They will order a blood test to confirm the virus or antibodies.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test for dengue virus genetic material (PCR test) – done early in the illness
• Blood test for dengue antibodies (IgM and IgG) – done after a few days
• Complete blood count (CBC) to check platelet levels and white blood cells

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will take a blood sample from your child's arm. Results may take a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the laboratory. You may be asked to monitor symptoms at home or to stay in hospital if the case is severe.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral medicine for dengue. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Most children can be cared for at home, but severe cases need hospital care.

Self-care at home

• Encourage your child to rest in bed until the fever goes away.
• Give plenty of fluids: water, oral rehydration solution (from pharmacy), clear soups, or diluted fruit juice. Small sips often if vomiting.
• Sponge your child with lukewarm water to lower fever. Do not use cold water or alcohol.
• Use fever-reducing medicines that are safe for children, as advised by your doctor. Avoid medicines that can increase bleeding risk (your doctor will tell you which ones).
• Watch for warning signs of severe dengue: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or lethargy. If these occur, seek emergency care.

Medical treatments

In hospital, children with severe dengue may receive intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure. Doctors monitor blood counts and vital signs closely. Blood transfusions may be needed if there is significant bleeding. There are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines for treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat dengue.

Living with this condition

During recovery, your child may feel tired and weak. Let them rest as much as they need. Gradually increase activities as they feel better. Most children are back to normal within a week or two after the fever is gone.

Lifestyle tips

• Use mosquito repellent on your child during the day, especially in areas with dengue.
• Dress your child in long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if windows and doors are not screened.
• Remove standing water around the house (flower pots, buckets) to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Diet and exercise

Offer light, nutritious meals once your child can eat again – such as rice, porridge, bananas, or toast. Continue giving plenty of fluids. Avoid heavy or spicy foods until appetite returns. Light play or short walks are fine, but avoid strenuous exercise until fully recovered.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being sick with dengue can be scary for a child and the family. Your child may feel anxious or upset. Provide lots of comfort, cuddles, and reassurance. Talk to them in a calm way about what is happening. Let them know they are safe and getting better.

Prevention

Yes, the best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and make sure your home has screens on windows and doors. Sleep under mosquito nets, especially during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are active. Also, eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Vaccines

A dengue vaccine is available in some countries, but it is not recommended for all children. It is usually given only to children who have had a previous dengue infection (confirmed by blood test) and who live in high-risk areas. Talk to a doctor about whether the vaccine is suitable for your child.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for dengue virus in children without symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) – when blood vessels leak fluid, leading to shock and bleeding
• Organ damage – such as inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or heart muscle (myocarditis)
• Low blood pressure and shock – can be life-threatening if not treated quickly
• bleeding complications – including internal bleeding (from nose, gums, or into the stomach)

Long-term outlook

With early medical care and close monitoring, most children recover completely from dengue. Even severe dengue can be successfully treated if caught in time. The outlook is excellent for children who get proper supportive care, such as fluids and monitoring. After recovery, children usually have no long-term health problems.

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