Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is one of the causes of child mortality which is quite high in some Asian countries, including Indonesia. This disease is carried by the dengue virus through the intermediary of female mosquitoes of the type Aedes aegypti.
Although it has a reputation that is quite terrible, please note that dengue has a degree of severity. Children with mild dengue fever may still be treated at home. However, parents need to understand in advance the symptoms and danger signs to watch out for from dengue fever.
Symptoms of DHF in Children
Usually, the symptoms of dengue fever begin to be felt by children about 4-10 days after being bitten by a mosquito that causes dengue fever. These symptoms can last for 2–7 days. Symptoms of DHF in children can be recognized by a high fever up to 400 C. During the fever phase of DHF, there are at least 2 of these additional symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eye
- Pain in bones, muscles and joints
- Rash or red spots over most of the body (starting on the third day)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling of the glands
In children, fever may go down for 1 day to < 380 C, but then rises again. When the fever is down, the child enters a critical period because at this time he is at risk of experiencing severe dengue.
In severe cases of DHF, symptoms can get worse and can be fatal. In severe dengue, there may be leakage of blood vessels, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity or lungs, or severe bleeding.
Symptoms of severe dengue to watch out for include:
- Severe stomach ache
- Nausea and vomiting constantly
- Bleeding gums
- Hard to breathe
- Hands and feet feel wet and cold
- Tired and restless
If you experience any of these symptoms, your child needs immediate medical attention to prevent complications that can be fatal.
What is the Right Handling of DHF in Children?
Actually there is no specific treatment for dengue. In the early days of the appearance of symptoms, the child can still be treated at home. During a fever, the child can be given paracetamol to relieve the fever and pain that is felt.
Avoid giving pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen because they can affect the level of platelets in the blood and increase the risk of bleeding.
In addition, parents can also do the following handling methods at home:
- Give a compress on the forehead, armpits, chest, groin children
- Make sure your child gets enough rest
- Give your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, either in the form of food or drink
- Provide foods that are rich in nutrients, especially those high in protein
As long as the child is treated at home, parents must always pay attention to any symptoms that exist. Your child may need to be taken to the hospital if he has symptoms of dehydration from vomiting too much or losing his appetite. At the hospital, he will get fluids through an IV.
Parents also should not be careless when the child's fever goes down and he seems to have recovered. Keep an eye on the condition of the child at all times. Immediately take the child to the ER if he experiences any of the symptoms of severe DHF that have been described previously.
Steps to Prevent DHF in Children
WHO states that vaccination needs to be done as an effort to prevent and control DHF. Unfortunately, in Indonesia the DHF vaccine has not been included in the national immunization program provided at the Puskesmas. Currently, the DHF vaccine can only be obtained at certain clinics or hospitals.
Based on the results of the study, the DHF vaccine was most effective when given to children aged 9-16 years 3 times, with a 6-month interval of vaccine administration.
In addition to vaccination, another step that is no less important is preventing mosquito bites that can carry the dengue virus. Here are steps that can be applied at home:
- Install mosquito nets on doors or windows.
- Wear closed shirts and pants, and socks when going out of the house.
- Use a mosquito net to cover the child's bed.
- Use insect repellent as directed. Choose one that contains DEET or lemon oil eucalyptus.
- Limit your child's time to be out in the hours around dawn and dusk.
- Drain standing water in the home environment.
- Drain water-filled containers, such as bathtubs and flower vases, and brush the walls to remove mosquito larvae.
By taking these precautions, it is hoped that children can avoid the outbreak of dengue fever.
DHF in children may confuse parents. However, don't panic. If you still have questions about dengue fever in children, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.