Dengue Fever in Children

Hermina's friends, when the rainy season arrives, it is often accompanied by the emergence of dengue fever. Dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is an infection caused by the dengue virus. Dengue fever not only attacks adults, but also children. Let's get to know how to prevent dengue fever that can attack your little one.

Symptoms of DHF

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

The main cause of DHF

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 densely populated areas (such as in big cities) that have a humid and warm climate.

Diagnosis of DHF

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

About DHF treatment

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

Complications that arise

Although only occurring in a handful of cases, DHF can develop into a more serious complication, which is known as severe DHF. Severe dengue fever can cause sufferers to experience low blood pressure or shock, organ damage, and bleeding. Therefore, immediately take patients suspected of having severe dengue fever to the hospital for immediate treatment because it is feared that it could lead to death if it is treated too late.

Prevention steps for dengue fever

Although there is currently no vaccine that can prevent dengue fever, there are several steps you can take to prevent this disease, including:

Sterilize your house or the environment around your house, for example by spraying mosquito repellent.
Clean the bathtub and sprinkle abate powder so that mosquito larvae die.
Close, turn over, or if necessary remove other small water-holding media in your house.
Install mosquito nets on all vents in your house.
Install mosquito nets on your bed.
Use mosquito repellent, especially those containing N-diethylmetatoluamide (DEET) which has been proven effective. However, do not use this product on babies under two years of age.
Wearing enough clothing can protect you from mosquito bites.

Well, Hermina Friends, if your little one experiences symptoms as mentioned above, immediately take him to the hospital so that he can be treated before it becomes more serious. Don't forget to always keep the surrounding environment clean so that it does not become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stay healthy.