Protect Your Little Ones
From Dengue!
Why Children Are Especially at Risk
Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which breeds in even small amounts of clean, stagnant water. Children are more vulnerable than adults for several reasons — and they're also less able to tell an adult exactly how they're feeling in the early stages of illness.
More Time Outdoors
Children play outside more often, in gardens, terraces, and playgrounds where mosquitoes are common.
Developing Immune Systems
Younger children's immune responses are still maturing, which can affect how their body handles infection.
Faster Dehydration
With smaller body weight, fluid loss from fever and vomiting affects children more quickly than adults.
Harder to Describe Symptoms
Younger children may not be able to clearly explain pain, nausea, or how unwell they're feeling.
Shared Spaces
Schools, playgrounds, and crèches can have common mosquito breeding spots if not well maintained.
Risk of Repeat Infection
There are four dengue virus types — a child can be infected more than once, and repeat infections can be more severe.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
| Symptom | What It Looks Like | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden high fever | Often 102°F–104°F, appearing quite suddenly | Common |
| Severe headache & pain behind the eyes | Child may complain of head or eye discomfort with fever | Common |
| Joint, muscle, or bone pain | Sometimes called "breakbone fever" for this reason | Common |
| Skin rash | Flat, red rash appearing a few days into the fever | Common |
| Nausea or vomiting | Loss of appetite and an unsettled stomach | Common |
| Bleeding gums or nosebleeds | Mild bleeding can occur even in non-severe cases | Needs Review |
Any fever lasting more than a day or two during dengue season should be evaluated by a doctor rather than watched at home.
Warning Signs of Severe Dengue — Seek Emergency Care Immediately:
- Severe abdominal pain or tenderness
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding from the gums, nose, or in vomit/stool
- Unusual restlessness, irritability, or lethargy
- Cold, clammy skin or rapid breathing
- Fever that suddenly drops but the child seems sicker, not better
These signs can appear as the fever starts to ease, and need immediate evaluation at Sri Rama Children's Hospital — don't wait to see if they pass.
How to Protect Your Home and Family
🛡️ Everyday Prevention Habits
- Empty and scrub water from coolers, flowerpots, buckets, and containers at least once a week
- Cover water storage drums and tanks tightly
- Remove old tyres, tins, and other items that can collect rainwater around the house
- Use mosquito nets while children sleep, especially during the day for infants
- Dress children in full-sleeved clothing during early morning and evening hours
- Use age-appropriate mosquito repellents as advised by your paediatrician
- Fit doors and windows with mesh screens where possible
- Support community fogging and clean-up drives in your neighbourhood
Dengue Myths vs Facts
❌ Myth
✅ Fact
Who Needs Extra Caution
💬 Watch More Closely If Your Child:
- Is an infant or toddler under 2 years old
- Has had dengue before
- Has an existing chronic health condition
- Lives in or has recently visited a high dengue-transmission area
- Shows any warning sign listed above, at any point during the illness
Frequently Asked Questions
Our paediatric team at Sri Rama Children's Hospital answers the questions we hear most from parents during dengue season.
Worried Your Child Has Dengue Symptoms?
Don't wait it out. Our paediatric team at Sri Rama Children's Hospital, Mancherial can evaluate your child promptly and guide you through safe monitoring or treatment.
