Dengue in Children 2025: 7 Early Symptoms, Top 5 Risks & 10 Expert Tips to Protect Your Child This Season

Dengue in Children 2025: 7 Early Symptoms, Top 5 Risks & 10 Expert Tips to Protect Your Child This Season

Dengue in children 2025: Know 7 early symptoms, 5 major risks, and 10 expert prevention tips to protect your child this season

Dengue fever is spreading through cities and villages alike, and children are bearing much of the brunt. Unlike adults, whose bodies withstand sudden fluid loss better, children can worsen quickly. What starts as a harmless fever can ,within days, turn into a serious medical emergency. Doctors are urging parents not to dismiss even mild illness in children when dengue is known to be in the air.

Dengue is caused by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. While it is a dangerous diseases for people of all ages, in children the illness often plays out differently. “In children, the immune systems are still learning to fight infections. The body sometimes overreacts to the virus, leading to plasma leakage”, shares Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. “Because their blood volume is smaller, even slight leakage (fluid leaks from blood vessels) can push them into shock. This makes dengue more dangerous for children”, says  Dr Tayal.

Unlike adults, who often suffer high fever, headache, and joint pain, children may show only subtle signs. “Parents may notice mild fever, tummy ache, vomiting, poor appetite, or unusual tiredness  .These can look like a common viral infection”, informs Dr Tayal. “The danger is that valuable time is lost,”  He warns parents to be extra watchful during dengue season. “If a fever lasts beyond two days or if worrying signs such as bleeding gums, constant vomiting, or extreme sleepiness appear, it is advised to seek medical help immediately”, he adds.

Dengue fever, often called “breakbone fever,” has emerged as one of the most alarming seasonal illnesses affecting children in India and across tropical countries. With rising temperatures, stagnant water, and increased mosquito breeding, dengue cases are expected to spike in 2025. What makes this disease even more concerning is its rapid spread among children, who are often more vulnerable than adults.

In this article, we will break down the 7 early symptoms every parent must watch out for, the 5 major risks linked to dengue in children, and 10 expert prevention tips to protect your child this season.

Recognizing dengue in its initial stages can save lives. Parents should remain alert if their child shows:

1. Sudden High Fever – A sharp rise in temperature, often above 102°F, lasting 2–7 days.
2. Severe Headache – Continuous pain, usually centered behind the eyes.
3. Body & Joint Pain – Extreme fatigue, muscle, and joint pain (hence the term “breakbone fever”).
4. Skin Rashes – Red patches or spots appearing on arms, legs, and chest.
5. Nausea & Vomiting – Persistent stomach upset leading to dehydration.
6. Bleeding Symptoms – Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising in severe cases.
7. Loss of Appetite & Irritability – Unusual tiredness, refusal to eat, or cranky behavior.

Early medical attention at this stage can prevent complications.

Dengue is not just a fever—it can lead to dangerous complications if untreated. The top risks include:

1. Dehydration due to vomiting and high fever.
2. Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) with internal bleeding and low platelet count.
3. Shock Syndrome leading to dangerously low blood pressure.
4. Liver Damage in prolonged or untreated cases.
5. Death in extreme cases when treatment is delayed.

Children are particularly at risk because their immunity is weaker compared to adults.

With no specific cure for dengue, prevention is the strongest shield. Here’s what parents can do:

1. Use Mosquito Repellents – Apply child-safe repellents on exposed skin.
2. Dress Children in Full Sleeves – Covering the body reduces mosquito bites.
3. Use Mosquito Nets – Especially while sleeping or napping.
4. Avoid Stagnant Water – Eliminate water collected in buckets, pots, or coolers.
5. Keep Windows & Doors Shut – Or install mesh screens to block mosquitoes.
6. Clean Surroundings Regularly – Empty flowerpots, tires, or containers that collect rainwater.
7. Encourage Hydration – Ensure your child drinks plenty of water, juices, or ORS.
8. Boost Immunity – Add vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges, guava, and papaya.
9. Seek Medical Help Early – Do not ignore fever lasting beyond 2 days.
10. Track Local Health Alerts – Stay updated about dengue-prone zones near you.

Parents must rush to a hospital if their child shows warning signs such as:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Continuous vomiting
• Bleeding gums/nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme weakness or dizziness

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