How can children be protected from dengue and dengue fever?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old mother, and I am growing increasingly concerned about the risk of dengue fever in children, especially with the recent surge in dengue cases in our area. My 8-year-old child loves playing outdoors, and I am worried about their susceptibility to this virus. Could you please provide insights into how dengue fever is transmitted, particularly in children? I want to understand the factors that contribute to the spread of this virus and the potential severity it can have on young immune systems like my child's. Additionally, what preventive measures or precautions should I take to protect my child from contracting dengue fever? Kindly guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Dengue fever is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person with dengue virus circulating in their blood. After an incubation period of about four to 10 days, the mosquito can transmit the virus to another person through subsequent bites.

The transmission of dengue fever in children follows the same pattern as in adults. Children are susceptible to mosquito bites and can become infected if bitten by an infected mosquito. Factors such as playing outdoors, spending time in areas with dense vegetation or stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, and inadequate mosquito protection measures can increase the risk of mosquito bites and subsequent dengue virus transmission in children.

It is important to note that dengue fever is not directly transmitted from person to person. However, in rare cases, the dengue virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy or childbirth and through blood transfusions or organ transplants from infected donors.

Preventing mosquito bites is vital to reducing the risk of dengue fever in children and adults alike. This includes using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as stagnant water in containers, flower pots, or gutters. Additionally, community-wide mosquito control efforts, such as insecticide spraying and environmental management, play a crucial role in reducing the spread of dengue fever.

Suppose a child develops symptoms suggestive of dengue fever, such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding gums. In that case, seeking medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and management is essential.

Preventing dengue fever primarily involves reducing exposure to mosquitoes. I suggest the following measures you can take:

Mosquito control: Use mosquito nets while sleeping, install window screens, and use insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) or Picaridin.
Eliminate breeding sites: Remove stagnant water from around your home, as mosquitoes breed in standing water. Empty flower pots birdbaths, and clean gutters regularly.
Protective clothing: When outdoors, dress your child in long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed shoes, especially during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Avoid peak mosquito times: Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting times, usually early morning and late afternoon.
Community efforts: Encourage community-wide mosquito control efforts such as fogging and draining stagnant water in public areas.

These precautions can significantly reduce your child's risk of dengue fever.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.