The Impact of Dengue on Children’s Health
Dengue fever is viral illness which is often mostly in children and the virus usually spreads through the bite of mosquitoes which are also infected. It is very important for the parents to identify the causes and perform some corrections.
Thus, it is essential to be aware of the dengue symptoms and take medical help immediately in case of severe dengue attack.
Causes and Transmission:
Dengue is a virus that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, when these mosquitoes bite humans and their infection is transferred to human’s blood.
Some places experience more cases than others, and tropical or subtropical regions may have higher prevalence of dengue carrier mosquitos. Among the causes that may result in the spread of dengue include poor mosquito control strategies, dirty water conducive to mosquito breeding, and rapid population growth that opens up spaces allowing easy population growth of the mosquitoes.
It is key for individuals who are either residents of or travelers of dengue endemic areas to take the required measures to keep away from mosquito bites.
What does dengue virus do in the blood?
Dengue virus targets
- Blood vessels: causing severe damage and increased permeability, making them leaky.
- Platelets: which are crucial for clot formation. Dangue virus reduces their number.
This causes an effect on body might cause blood clotting and fluid loss. It can also cause internal bleeding, organ dysfunction, and even worse conditions like failure of organs and death.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear after mosquito bite?
It takes at least one week to show all symptoms Below are the mentioned symptoms that a child will experience. Some children that are experiencing flu or cold before dengue might take some more time to show convincing symptoms.
How do I know if this is Dengue?
- High fever in children around 104 °F which can last up to 7 to 10 days.
- Severe headache, especially behind the eyes that make the child’s condition so miserable.
- Back Pain and muscle pain which can be unbearable to the child.
- Rash appearing 2-5 days after the onset of fever
- Pain in muscles and joints
- Mild bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding, easy bruising)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting and weakness with the above symptoms can be associated as dengue.
- Swollen glands
How can we make the Definitive Diagnosis made?
Blood tests: Count the platelet and white blood cell count, determine the liver function and dengue-related antibodies presence.
Antigen tests: Detect viral proteins
Antibody tests: Analyze if these antibodies exist in the person infected.
Difference Between Dengue and Other Illness.
Other illnesses might give a lot of symptoms like dengue. Sometimes dengue can be perceived as flu, cold, or common mosquitoes-borne illnesses. But however, some points are responsible for the differentiation of dengue fever from other diseases with similar symptoms.
| Symptoms | Flu and Common Cold | Dengue Fever |
| Duration of Symptoms | Few days, inconsistent | Lasts for a longer time period |
| Presence of Rash | Not typical | Distinct rash after initial fever, itching |
| Muscle and Joint Pain | Not severe, may have mild discomfort | Severe muscle and joint pain, ache or throbbing |
| Severe Headaches | Common but not severe | Common and often severe, especially behind the eyes |
| Historical/Environmental Factors | Not relevant | Knowledge of location helps with diagnosis |
Is Dangue contagious?
Dengue fever itself is not directly contagious. Transmission of dengue fever occurs not through direct person-to-person contact. It’s being transmitted by the biting of the Aedes mosquitoes specifies as offending Aedes aegypti. On the other hand, dengue cases in people can be caused when the mosquito bites that person and the virus is hence transmitted in the next person. The transmission is not direct from person to person, but the native mosquitoes that spread it can.
The possible risk of children getting this mosquito-borne disease calls for taking preventive measures. Applying mosquito control approaches such as removal of stagnant water plus using insect repellents can reduce cases of dengue by a large margin.
Through knowing the causes, symptoms and treatment of dengue infection in children, parents can be active participants in their children’s health and wellness. Through the proper medical attention, household care, and preventive methods, with collective measures, we as a community can overcome that illness and secure the well-being of our children.