Dengue in infants: what parents should know

Babies cannot describe headache, joint pain, or muscle aches, and their signs may be less specific than an older child's. Possible illness signs include fever, unusual sleepiness or irritability, reduced feeding, vomiting, fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth, or a new rash. Chills and easy bruising also deserve attention. These signs do not confirm dengue; a clinician assesses the infant and decides whether testing or observation is needed. Note the temperature, feeds, wet nappies, vomiting, and behaviour.

Call a paediatric clinician or GP promptly if dengue is suspected. Offer breast milk or the usual formula in small, frequent feeds unless a clinician gives different advice. Do not force feeds or give medicines without checking the dose and suitability for the infant. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless specifically prescribed or recommended. Keep the baby lightly dressed, protect them from mosquito bites, and do not rely on a fever reading alone to judge recovery. Bring the baby's medicine list and any test results to the GP Consultation.

Seek emergency help if the infant is difficult to wake, has breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, bleeding, a seizure, a very swollen or painful abdomen, cold or mottled skin, or cannot keep feeds down. Urgent assessment is also needed when wet nappies become noticeably less frequent, the baby looks unusually weak, or the caregiver feels the child is deteriorating. Babies can become dehydrated without clearly explaining thirst, so act on observable changes.

Ask how much fluid and milk to offer, which temperature-lowering medicine is suitable, how to track wet nappies, whether follow-up testing is needed, and where to go overnight if warning signs appear.