Dengue in children: practical guidance

Dengue can cause fever with headache, chills, muscle aches, or joint pain. Younger children may be irritable, sleepy, off their food, or unable to describe pain clearly. Easy bruising or other bleeding should be reported. Symptoms overlap with many infections, so a fever does not identify dengue by itself. A clinician uses the child's history and examination, and may arrange tests based on timing and local exposure. Record when symptoms began and whether the child is drinking, urinating, and behaving normally.

Arrange a GP Consultation or paediatric review when dengue is suspected. Offer frequent fluids suited to the child's age and continue usual foods if tolerated. Use fever or pain medicine only at the advised dose; do not give aspirin or ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically recommends it. Encourage rest and protect the child from mosquito bites during illness. Check in regularly, including after the temperature falls, because a child may still need observation when fever appears better.

Go for urgent assessment if the child has severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, black stools, unusual drowsiness, confusion, breathing difficulty, fainting, cold hands and feet, or cannot drink. A clear fall in urination, very dry mouth, or worsening weakness can signal dehydration. Infants and children with long-term conditions may need a lower threshold for review. Call emergency services if the child collapses, has a seizure, or is difficult to wake.

Ask what fluid plan fits the child's age, which medicines to avoid, how to measure worsening dehydration, when follow-up is needed, and which hospital or service to use outside clinic hours.