Dengue Fever in Children: Symptoms, Warning Signs, and Prevention

Could a child who seems to have a routine viral fever actually be developing dengue? Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause high fever, body pain, vomiting and, in some children, serious complications. India carries a substantial dengue burden. A 2026 analysis using Global Burden of Disease data estimated that India accounted for about 28.2 million dengue cases in 2021, highlighting the scale of transmission in the country. Reported surveillance figures are much lower because many infections are not captured by routine reporting.

Children need particular attention because their symptoms may be difficult to recognise, and severe dengue can develop around the time the fever starts to settle. Early medical assessment and careful monitoring can help identify complications promptly.

Dr. Kalyan C Bathineni, MBBS, MD Pediatrics, Consultant Pediatrician, Sri Sri Holistic Hospital, Hyderabad, throws light on the common symptoms of dengue in children, warning signs that require urgent medical attention, and important measures parents can take to protect their children.

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus and is mainly spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It commonly causes a sudden fever along with headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and sometimes a skin rash. Most children recover with appropriate supportive care. However, some can develop severe dengue, particularly during the period when the fever begins to decrease.

Common Symptoms in Children

Dengue can initially resemble other common viral infections. Parents should watch for:

Fever commonly lasts for several days. A child may not always be able to describe symptoms such as pain behind the eyes or body aches, so changes in behaviour, appetite and activity levels are important clues.

Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

One important point is that the child may appear better when the fever comes down. However, the critical phase of dengue can occur around this time, often during the first week of illness.

Seek urgent medical attention if the child develops:

Severe dengue can cause plasma leakage, bleeding or shock and requires immediate medical care. The World Health Organization also identifies severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, lethargy, or restlessness, and breathing difficulties among important warning signs.

How Is Dengue Diagnosed and Treated?

If dengue is suspected, a pediatrician may recommend blood tests depending on the stage of illness. Tests such as NS1 antigen, molecular testing, or dengue antibody testing may be used at different stages.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for uncomplicated dengue. Treatment mainly focuses on rest, adequate fluids, and monitoring for complications. Paracetamol may be recommended for fever and discomfort under medical guidance.

Parents should not give aspirin or ibuprofen unless specifically advised by a doctor, because these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding.

How Can Parents Prevent Dengue?

Preventing mosquito bites is one of the best ways to protect children.

A child with suspected dengue should also be monitored carefully for changes in symptoms, especially when the fever starts to fall.

The Takeaway for Parents

Dengue in children can begin like an ordinary fever, but warning signs can appear as the illness progresses. Parents should not rely only on the temperature reading. Changes in the child's alertness, breathing, hydration, vomiting, abdominal pain, or bleeding need prompt medical attention.

Early evaluation, adequate hydration, and careful monitoring can make an important difference in managing dengue safely. Book an appointment at Sri Sri Holistic Hospitals to counter dengue.