Dengue fever?!
What is Dengue?
Dengue fever is an illness spread through an infected mosquito🦟. Risk rises especially if you live in or travel to tropical climate regions. This virus has an incubating period which is about 4 days to 2 weeks after being bitten by a mosquito. The virus usually lasts for no later than 7 days if the infection isn’t serious.
🦠How can I protect my baby from it?
Since the main infection route is bites from mosquitos, it is very important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. If you travel to or live in the area where the Dengue virus occurs, make to dress your baby in clothes that cover the whole body👖, such as long sleeves, long pants, and sock that covers the whole feet.
The use of bug repellent and mosquito netting over the beds at night is also an effective way to avoid contact with mosquitos. Giving a bath to your baby every day will help as well since mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of sweat.
How do I know if my baby has Dengue?
High fever is the most common symptom of Dengue. Your baby’s temperature can rise as high as 105°F (40°C)!😰Apparently fever from Dengue virus could be very painful so it is even called “break-bone fever”. It doesn’t actually break any bones, but it is as much painful as it feels like it is!
Baby will get irritated and cry hard because they’ll feel very uncomfortable😿. Nausea and vomiting are also very common signs of Dengue. If it gets worse, skin rash and unusual bleeding could happen.
Symptoms of Dengue are very similar to other viruses so it is hard to diagnose without a doctor. The doctor will track your baby’s travel histories, and send a blood sample for testing to examine.
Oh no, my little one got Dengue!
What should I do?
Unfortunately, there aren’t specific medications for treating Dengue fever💊. The fever and pain will go away within a week.
For fever control (acetaminophen), give cool water and sponge baths
Dehydration occurs when a person gets a high fever, so give your baby enough water and watch for signs of dehydration.
🚰How do I know if my baby is dehydrated?
If the baby is dehydrated🥀, you’ll notice him/her urinating less frequently than usual. There will be fewer or no tears when crying, and you’ll see their lips and mouth getting dry. The baby’s hands and feet will get cooler and discolored if it gets serious. If you see any of these signs, see your baby’s pedestrian immediately!