Dengue in Children: Symptoms, Warning Signs and Prevention in Karachi
Dengue cases in Karachi usually rise after the monsoon, from September to November. Children can become seriously ill, so parents should know the early symptoms and, most importantly, the warning signs.
Symptoms of dengue in children
- Sudden high fever, often lasting 2 to 7 days
- Headache and pain behind the eyes
- Body, joint and muscle aches
- Tiredness, poor appetite, nausea or vomiting
- A red rash, sometimes appearing as the fever settles
Young children may only have fever, crankiness and poor feeding, which is why a blood test is often needed.
The dangerous phase: when the fever comes down
Many parents relax when the fever drops, usually around day 3 to 7. This is exactly when serious dengue can develop. Keep watching your child closely for 48 hours after the fever settles.
Warning signs: go to hospital immediately
- Severe or constant tummy pain
- Repeated vomiting, or unable to keep fluids down
- Bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, or black stool
- Very sleepy, confused or restless
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
- Cold, clammy hands and feet
- Passing very little urine (nothing for 6 hours or more)
Home care while recovering
- Fluids, fluids, fluids: ORS, water, milk, soup and coconut water in frequent small amounts.
- Paracetamol only for fever and pain, at the dose on the pack for your child’s weight.
- No ibuprofen, aspirin or injections for fever, because they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Rest, and follow-up blood tests as advised by your doctor.
Papaya leaf juice, goat milk and similar remedies are widely shared in Karachi. None of them replaces medical monitoring, and they should never delay a visit to the doctor.
Which tests are used?
An NS1 test is most useful in the first days of fever. A complete blood count (CBC) checks platelets and haematocrit, and may be repeated daily during the critical phase. Your child specialist will decide how often to test.
How to protect your family
The Aedes mosquito that spreads dengue bites mostly during the daytime and breeds in clean standing water.
- Empty, scrub and cover water containers every week: coolers, buckets, flower pots, tyres, water tanks.
- Use full-sleeve clothes and a child-safe mosquito repellent during the day.
- Use a mosquito net for daytime naps, especially for babies.
- Fit screens on windows where possible.
Aksar poochay janay walay sawal (FAQs)
Bachon ko dengue se kaise bachayein?
Stop mosquito breeding at home every week, cover children’s arms and legs during the day, and use repellent and nets.
Kya platelets kam hon to hamesha drip ya platelets lagte hain?
No. Most children recover with fluids and monitoring. Treatment depends on the whole picture, not only the platelet count.
Dengue dobara ho sakta hai?
Yes. There are four types of dengue virus, and a second infection can be more severe. Prevention matters even after recovery.
Dengue check-up for children in Shah Faisal Colony
If your child has fever during dengue season, Dr Samina Habib, FCPS (Paediatrics), can examine your child and arrange the right tests at The Asthetik, Shah Faisal Colony branch (Office 1/A-59, Umar Farooq Road, near DVAGO, Block 1). Easy to reach from Malir, Malir Halt, Model Colony and Landhi.
Call 021-34570339 or book online. See also: Bachay ko bukhar ho to kya karein.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for medical care. If you see any warning sign, go to hospital now.