Dengue Fever in Children

Dengue Fever in Children
Friends of Hermina, when the rainy season arrives, it is often accompanied by the appearance of dengue fever. Dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is an infection caused by the dengue virus. Dengue fever does not only attack adults, but also affects children. Let's identify ways to prevent dengue fever that can attack the baby.

Symptoms of dengue disease
Symptoms of dengue fever usually begin with a high fever that can reach a temperature of 41C, lasting 2-7 days. Generally will be seen in three to fourteen days after the incubation period, the incubation period is the time between the first virus enters the body until the first symptoms appear.

The main cause of dengue disease
The cause of DHF is the dengue virus which enters the human body through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. DHF cannot be transmitted directly from one person to another without the intermediary of the mosquito. The Aedes aegypti mosquito usually breeds in highly populated areas (such as in big cities) that have a humid and warm climate.

DHF diagnosis
Specific characteristics of the symptoms of dengue fever are high fever up to 41 degrees Celsius, flu, headaches, joint, muscle and bone pain, to pain behind the eyes, can take 3-7 days, from a blood test, a decrease in platelets can be found. and increased blood viscosity. The doctor will perform a blood test if dengue fever is suspected.

Regarding the treatment of dengue disease
There is no specific medicine to treat dengue fever, but the symptoms of this disease can be overcome by drinking plenty of fluids, rest, and taking paracetamol. If the method of treatment is applied, usually DHF will heal within one to two weeks. However, if there is a fever for more than three days, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Complications that arise
Although it only occurs in a handful of cases, DHF can develop into a more serious complication, which is known as severe DHF. Severe dengue can cause sufferers to experience a drop in blood pressure or shock, organ damage, and bleeding. Therefore, immediately take the patient suspected of having severe dengue fever to the hospital to be treated as soon as possible because it is feared that it could lead to death if handled too late.

Steps to prevent dengue disease
Although until now there is no vaccine that can ward off dengue fever, you can take some steps to prevent this disease, including:

•  Sterilize the house or the environment around your house, for example by spraying mosquito repellent.
• Clean the bath and sprinkle abate powder so that the mosquito larvae die.
• Closing, turning over, or if necessary getting rid of other small water holding media in your home.
• Install mosquito nets throughout your home ventilation.
•  Install mosquito nets on your bed.

Use mosquito repellents, especially those containing N-diethylmetatoluamide (DEET), which have been shown to be effective. However, do not use this product on infants under two years of age.
Wearing adequate clothing can protect you from mosquito bites.

Well, Friends of Hermina, if your little one experiences the symptoms as mentioned above, immediately take them to the hospital so they can be treated before they become more serious. Don't forget to always keep the surrounding environment clean so it doesn't become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Healthy greetings.