What are the symptoms of dengue fever in children?

The symptoms of dengue fever in children are similar to those in adults, but there may be some differences in the way they manifest. Some of the common symptoms of dengue fever in children include:

* High fever (104°F or higher): This is usually the first symptom and may last for 2-7 days.

* Headache: This may be mild or severe and can last for several days.

* Eye pain: This is often described as a "behind the eyes" pain.

* Muscle aches and joint pain: These may be severe and can make it difficult for your child to walk or move.

* Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may be mild or severe and can last for several days.

* Diarrhea: This is often a mild symptom, but can become severe in some cases.

* A rash: This usually appears 2-5 days after the onset of symptoms and lasts for 2-4 days. The rash is typically red or pink, and may be itchy.

* Bleeding: This is a less common symptom, but can include nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or bruising.

In addition to these symptoms, children with dengue fever may also experience:

* Lethargy: This can be severe and may make it difficult for your child to stay awake.

* Loss of appetite: This can lead to dehydration.

* Irritability: This can make it difficult to care for your child.

When to seek medical attention

If your child is experiencing symptoms of dengue fever, it is important to seek medical attention. This is especially important if your child is under 2 years old, as they are at higher risk for developing severe complications.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Your doctor may recommend the following:

* Rest: Encourage your child to get plenty of rest.

* Fluids: Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

* Pain relievers: If your child has pain, you can give them a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Do not give aspirin to your child, as this can increase the risk of bleeding.

* Cool compresses: You can place cool compresses on your child's forehead and neck to help reduce their fever.

* Sponge bath: If your child's fever is very high, you can give them a lukewarm sponge bath to help lower it.

Prevention

There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. However, there are some things you can do to help prevent your child from getting it:

* Use insect repellant: When your child is outdoors, use an insect repellant that contains DEET or picaridin.

* Wear long sleeves and pants: When your child is in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, have them wear long sleeves and pants to cover their skin.

* Use mosquito netting: If your child is sleeping in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, use mosquito netting to protect them.

* Empty standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so empty any standing water around your home, such as in buckets, tires, or gutters.

By following these tips, you can help protect your child from dengue fever.