DID YOU KNOW? 

India Fights 230,000+ Dengue Cases Every Year. 

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that continues to pose a serious health challenge in India, especially during the warmer and monsoon seasons. Children are among the most vulnerable to this illness due to their developing immune systems and high exposure to outdoor environments where dengue-carrying mosquitoes thrive.

In this blog, the best multispeciality hospital in Siliguri, provides parents with all the necessary knowledge and support to protect their children from dengue and manage it effectively in case of infection. Here’s what every parent should know.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, often referred to as the “tiger mosquito” due to its black and white striped appearance. These mosquitoes are active during the day, especially after sunrise and before sunset, and breed in stagnant water found in puddles, unused containers, flower pots, and tires.

Did You Know?
Dengue is NOT Contagious and Does NOT Spread from Person to Person.

Types of Dengue Fever in Children

Dengue fever can vary in severity. The three common types seen in children include:

1. Mild Dengue (Classic Dengue Fever):
   This presents with high fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and skin rash. Most cases resolve with home care and hydration.
2. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF):
   A more severe form involving bleeding, low platelet count, abdominal pain, and in some cases, a sudden drop in temperature. It requires immediate hospitalisation.
3. Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS):
   The most critical stage where blood pressure drops dangerously, leading to shock and organ failure. DSS is life-threatening and needs intensive care.

Are Children More Vulnerable to Dengue? Why?

Yes, children are more vulnerable to dengue fever for several reasons:

• Immature immune systems make them less capable of fighting off the virus.
• They spend more time outdoors, especially in parks and playgrounds.
• Poor sanitation and mosquito control in some areas further increase their exposure.
• Children who have previously been infected with a different strain of the virus may develop more severe symptoms upon re-infection.

How Can Dengue Affect Your Child?

Dengue can range from mild illness to severe, life-threatening complications:

• Mild Illness: Fever, rash, fatigue, muscle pain, and vomiting.
• Severe Illness: Bleeding, low platelet count, abdominal pain, and signs of shock.
• Hospitalisation: Required in cases of DHF or DSS for IV fluids, monitoring, and sometimes blood transfusions.
• Emotional Impact: Prolonged illness and hospitalisation can cause anxiety and emotional distress for both the child and family.

Symptoms of Dengue in Children

The best multispeciality hospital in Siliguri lets you know the various symptoms of dengue so that you can easily detect and act accordingly. 

Early Symptoms:

• Sudden high fever (102–104°F)
• Pain in the eyes
• Body aches and joint pain
• Skin rash (appears after a few days)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sore throat and fatigue

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue:

• Persistent vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Gum or nose bleeding
• Restlessness, cold hands and feet
• Weak pulse

Critical DSS Symptoms:

• Very low blood pressure
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Loss of consciousness
  
  
  

Risk Factors for Dengue in Children

Several factors increase the risk of dengue in children:

• Living in tropical/subtropical climates with warm, humid weather
• Outdoor activity during mosquito-active hours
• Stagnant water near living areas
• Weak immune system or history of prior dengue infection

Stages of Dengue Fever in Children

1. Febrile Stage (2–7 days): High fever, headache, body pain, and dehydration risk.
2. Critical Stage (24–48 hours): Fever may subside, but symptoms like bleeding, low BP, and fluid leakage can emerge.
3. Recovery Stage (2–5 days): Child regains appetite, fever resolves, and energy begins to return.

Preventing Dengue Fever in Children

Experts at Thalamus Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS), widely recognised as the best multispeciality hospital in Siliguri, give preventive measures so that you can protect your child from getting affected with dengue. :

• Use mosquito repellents on exposed skin
• Dress them in full-sleeve clothes and long pants
• Use mosquito nets while sleeping
• Remove stagnant water from around your home
• Maintain clean surroundings and drain clogged gutters
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity hours
• Join local community mosquito control efforts
  
  
  

Platelet Count in Children with Dengue

In dengue cases, platelet count drops, especially during the critical phase. A normal count is 150,000–450,000 platelets/μL. In dengue:

• Mild cases may drop to 80,000–100,000/μL
• Severe cases can fall below 20,000/μL, which can be dangerous and may require platelet transfusion

Best Foods for Kids with Dengue

Nutrition plays a key role in recovery. 

• Hydration: Coconut water, ORS, fruit juices, soups
• Papaya leaf extract: Traditionally believed to help increase platelet count (consult your doctor first)
• Iron-rich foods: Spinach, lentils
• Vitamin C: Oranges, amla, guava (boost immunity)
• Soft foods: Porridge, khichdi, curd rice to ease digestion
  
  

Avoid spicy, oily foods and ensure small frequent meals.

How Long Does Dengue Fever Last in Children?

The course of dengue fever in children typically lasts about 7–10 days, depending on the severity:

• Febrile stage: 2–7 days
• Critical stage: 1–2 days
• Recovery: 2–5 days

However, fatigue and weakness may continue for a few weeks after recovery.

If your child shows symptoms of dengue or has been in a high-risk area, don’t wait—seek prompt medical advice at the best multispeciality hospital in Siliguri.

📞 Call us at: +91 03561-354100 | 9046005614
🌐 Visit us at: www.thalamushospital.com

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience any symptoms of Dengue, please consult the best multispeciality hospital in Siliguri. Avoid self-diagnosis or taking medications without medical guidance.