13 Symptoms of Dengue Fever in Babies, Causes & Treatment

Prevention is better than cure — precautionary measures to avoid dengue in newborns.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vivek Goswami, MD, MRCPCH Dr. Vivek Goswami Dr. Vivek GoswamiMD, MRCPCH MomJunction on Facebook Specialty: Pediatrics and NeonatologyExperience: 12 years
Written by , Medical Doctor Dr Bisny T. Joseph Medical Doctor Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and Medical TreatmentsExperience: 5 years
Edited by , BSc, MBA Rohit Garoo BSc, MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years
Fact-checked by , M.Tech Shinta Liz Sunny M.Tech Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 4 years
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Symptoms Of Dengue Fever In Babies

Image: Shutterstock

Dengue fever in babies and toddlers is a viral infection caused by four types of dengue virus. The illness is usually found in tropical and subtropical countries. It can be severe in babies and toddlers if they are born to mothers having dengue (1). You should be observant of the dengue symptoms in children because they can be easily confused with other illnesses. Although it can be cured at home, proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is crucial for the prevention of further potential complications. Also, you should take steps to stop the spread of the infection. Read the post to understand more about dengue fever in babies, its symptoms, treatment, and ways to keep children safe from mosquito-borne diseases.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Infected female mosquitoes transmit dengue, a viral infection.
  • Symptoms appear 5-7 days after infection and include fever, vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, bleeding, and dark stools in children.
  • Severe dengue can cause abdominal pain, skin mottling, cold extremities, cold sweat, feeding refusal, lack of urination for six hours or more, and severe dehydration.
  • Dengue can be prevented and treated with measures such as timely diagnosis, temperature reduction, medications, intravenous fluids, oral fluids, and electrolytes.
  • Infants with dengue may experience severe complications such as febrile seizures, pneumonia, and liver, heart, and brain disorders.

What Causes Dengue And How Does It Spread?

The dengue virus is mainly transmitted by the Aedes aegypti species of female mosquitoes. These species of mosquitoes are also responsible for Zika virus infection,iAn mosquito-borne infection that causes fever, headache, rash, conjunctivitis, and muscle and joint pain. , chikungunyaiA mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, joint pain, rashes, and headache. , and yellow feveriAn acute viral hemorrhagic disease that causes fever, muscle pain, headache, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. .  Dengue infection can be caused by four serotypes of dengue virus, including DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.

It is transmitted to humans through an infected female mosquito bite, which feeds only during the daytime. After biting an infected person, female mosquitoes can transmit the dengue virus within eight to 12 days to other humans. It is not a contagious disease that spreads from human to human. There are rare cases of vertical transmission (pregnant mother to baby) (2).

Though there is a case of transmitting dengue virus from breast milk, it is recommended to breastfeed babies due to benefits (3).

After an infected mosquito bite, it may take five to seven days for dengue to develop, and the disease follows three phases (4):

  • Febrile phase: Fever may last for two to seven days
Dengue fever in babies may last for 2-7 days

Image: Shutterstock

  • Critical phase: It usually begins after the fever and lasts for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Convalescent phase: It is the recovery phase, where health status improves. There is a chance of developing an itchy rash during this phase.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dengue In Infants And Toddlers

Symptoms of dengue in kids can be difficult to recognize since they can be similar to those of other common childhood infections.

Your child may require immediate hospital admission if any of the following signs and symptoms develop (2) (5) (6).

  1. High temperature (higher than 38°C or 100.4°F) or low temperature (less than 36°C or 96.8°F)
  2. Refusing to take oral fluids
  3. Vomiting (at least three times in 24 hours)
  4. Vomit has ground coffee appearance
  5. Sleepiness or restlessness/irritability
  6. Headache
  7. Bleeding from the nose or gums
  8. Vomit or stool has fresh or old blood
  9. Dark or black coal tar-like stool
  10. Abdominal pain
  11. Joint pain
  12. Skin mottling (livedo reticularis — marble-like appearance of skin with patchy or irregular colors, red or purple marks, spots or streaks on the skin)
  13. Cold sweating skin
  14. Cold hands and feet
  15. Absence of urine for six hours

The above mentioned are the warning signs of dengue that require emergency medical attention as they may be indicating the following.

  • Severe dengue: It is a serious form of dengue, causing shock and internal bleeding. Organ impairment and respiratory distress are seen in severe dengue.
  • Dengue shock syndrome: During the critical period, there is a chance for the development of dengue shock syndrome due to the leak of plasma (fluid in the blood) to the abdomen, lung spaces, etc. It may cause respiratory issues. If shock is undetected or left untreated, it can result in severe complications.
  • Dengue hemorrhagic fever: It is a complicated form of the disease, which causes bleeding from the nose, gum, and skin hemorrhages and hematuria (blood in urine) (7).

Complications Of Dengue Fever In Infants And Toddlers

In addition to the above mentioned conditions, dengue fever in babies and toddlers may result in (8):

  • Febrile seizureiA convulsion in children while having a fever. (6)
  • Liver damages
  • Cardiomyopathy (heart disorders)
  • PneumoniaiAn infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Dengue fever may cause pneumonia

Image: Shutterstock

  • Encephalopathy (brain disorders)
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

When To See A Doctor?

It is recommended to seek immediate medical care if you notice the following signs of severe dehydration (9).

  • Weakness
  • Sunken eyes
  • Sleepiness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Dry mouth, tongue, or lips
  • Sunken soft spot on the head
  • Reduced urination
  • No tears while crying

Diagnosis Of Dengue In Babies And Toddlers

It is recommended to test dengue in babies who live in or recently traveled to dengue-endemic areas. Diagnosing dengue fever in babies in its early stages can help prevent possible complications, lower mortality risks, and limit spread. It can also help you provide timely treatment and manage the symptoms, thus improving recovery time. Here are some tests your child’s doctor may order (10).

  • Complete blood count
  • Molecular test to detect dengue virus in the first one to seven days of illness
  • NAAT or NS1 antigen test (in the acute stage), ELISA methodiAn immunological test that is used to determine the presence of antibodies, antigens, proteins, and hormones. is more accurate than card test
Dengue fever in babies can be diagnosed using NAAT

Image: IStock

  • IgM antibody test (MAC-ELISA) (it can be positive for three months or longer after infection)
  • Platelet count and hematocrit values
  • Coagulation profile
  • Liver enzymes

A platelet count below 100,000 per microliter can be seen in dengue fever, but common in dengue hemorrhagic fever. After three to eight days of illness, thrombocytopenia (reduced platelets) can be observed. About 20% or more increase in hematocrit value (percentage of red blood cells) suggests that there is plasma leakage (11).

Is There Any Treatment For Dengue?

There is no specific treatment for dengue. Like most viral illnesses, dengue too is usually managed with supportive care through fluids. Antibiotics are not used to treat dengue as it is a viral infection, unless there are signs of secondary bacterial infection.

The following essential steps are taken for effective management and treatment of dengue (12).

  • One of the main aims of treatment is to bring the high temperature down to below 39°C. High fever may lead to fits, also called febrile convulsions in young children.
  • Sponge the child with a cloth soaked in water and give acetaminophen (paracetamol) to control fever. Consult a pediatrician before giving any medicine to the baby.
protip_icon Quick tip
Use tepid water at 85 to 90°F (29.4 to 32.2°C) for sponging the baby, as cold water may cause shivering. Also, never use rubbing alcohol in the water, as it can be inhaled or absorbed into the skin (15).
  • Aspirin and NSAIDs (non steroidal inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen) should not be given since it may worsen platelet problems leading to bleeding (6).
  • Oral or intravenous route fluid administration is the mainstay treatment. Intravenous fluids are administered in the cases of hospitalization.
IV route fluid administration for dengue fever in babies

Image: IStock

  • You may increase the oral fluid intake if your baby is able to drink. Intravenous fluid administration is required if there is an inability to maintain oral intake and/ or the baby is in shock.
  • It is advised to observe your baby during the critical period for warning signs.

Your baby may require blood products in the case of bleeding from nose, gums, or gut. It may take a while to have a normal platelet count after the illness.

Is It Possible To Treat Dengue Fever At Home?

Mild cases can be treated with ample rest and the consumption of abundant fluids (17). If there are no warning signs and the baby can take oral fluids, then home treatment might help. However, it is recommended to visit a pediatrician for proper guidance and to identify the illness. Hospitalization is mandatory if your child has severe fever and complications of dengue. Home treatment steps include (1).

  • Medication to control fever: Acetaminophen is given for fever.
  • Hydration: Adequate fluid and electrolyte intake to cope with the loss of fluid from the body during fever or vomiting.

Can Dengue Fever Be Prevented?

According to the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) statistics, over 94% of reported dengue cases between 2010 and 2022 were linked to travel in regions where the disease was prevalent. Therefore, if you are living or traveling to a country with a risk of dengue, then you should take precautions to keep your baby away from mosquito bites. You may use mosquito repellents for babies older than two months. If your child is younger than two months, then use mosquito nets (1). The following methods can help keep mosquitoes away and prevent mosquito bites in babies (13).

  • Have mosquito net to the crib, stroller, infant carrier, doors, and windows
  • Use loose clothing to cover arms and legs
  • Avoid stagnant water around the house
  • Keep wet dustbins covered
  • Keep windows and doors closed in dusk and dawn
protip_icon Point to consider
To control the growth of mosquitos stock ornamental pools with top feeding predacious minnows (mosquito fish). They feed on mosquito larvae (16).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is mosquito repellent safe for babies and toddlers?

Mosquito repellents can be used for babies older than two months. You should read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure your baby’s safety. Apply repellent to your baby’s exposed skin after spreading it on your hands. Below are a few recommended ingredients in mosquito repellents, along with their popular brands (1).

  • Up to 30 % DEET (Sawyer, Cutter, OFF!)
  • Picaridin (Autan, Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus)
  • IR3535 (Skin smart, Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend the use of insect repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or P-menthanediol (PMD) for infants and toddlers.

2. Are there any vaccines to prevent dengue?

There is no licensed vaccine for dengue for infants and toddlers. The first vaccine to prevent dengue is Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV). It is presently licensed only in a few countries for people aged nine to 45 years, who had a confirmed prior dengue infection (14).

3. Is it possible to get another episode of dengue infection?

It is possible to get dengue infection again. Usually, it is caused by other strains of the dengue virus, and the second infection can be more severe than the previous one. It is possible to get dengue infection four times from four different strains of the dengue virus (2).

4. Can dengue heal by itself?

Mild dengue fever symptoms may last for two to seven days. Also, in most cases, the symptoms reduce with home and medical care (5).

5. Is it okay to bathe my baby during dengue?

It is ideal to refrain from rigorous bathing until the fever comes down. However, you may try sponge bathing with lukewarm to cool water to lower your baby’s body temperature and provide them some relief (9).

6. How can I tell if my child is recovering from dengue?

Some common signs that indicate your child is recovering from dengue include a reduction in fever, an increase in appetite, and a normal urine output. You will also notice your child feeling more energized.

Dengue fever in babies and toddlers is a mosquito-borne disease that isn’t vaccine-preventable. However, one can prevent their babies and toddlers from infection with simple measures, such as using mosquito nets, keeping doors and windows closed during dawn and night, and avoiding water stagnation around the house. Using baby-safe mosquito repellents for babies older than two months is another effective way to prevent dengue fever. If a baby is once infected, reinfection can occur by another dengue virus, so you have to be careful.

Infographic: Fevers With Symptoms Similar To Dengue In Babies

Babies cannot communicate their discomfort verbally, making it difficult to identify the problem. Go through the infographic below to learn about other diseases that might produce symptoms similar to dengue fever in babies.

dengue like fevers in infants (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Symptoms of Dengue Fever in Babies Causes & Treatment

Dengue Fever In Babies And Toddlers_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Dengue fever is caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes. Learn more about the causes of dengue and the preventive measures that can be taken in this informative video!

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Protect your infant from dengue; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  2. Dengue and severe dengue; The World Health Organization
  3. Dengue; Transmission; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  4. Dengue; Clinical Presentation; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  5. Dengue; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  6. Dengue fever; The United States National Library of Medicine
  7. Dengue; CDC Yellow Book 2024; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  8. Timothy J. Schaefer et al., Dengue Fever; National Center for Biotechnology Information
  9. Manage Dengue in Infants; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  10. Clinical Testing Guidance for Dengue; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  11. Dengue: Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control: New Edition.; The World Health Organization
  12. Dengue Fever; The National Organization for Rare Disorders
  13. Dengue Fever; Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
  14. GRADE Analysis: Dengvaxia® Dengue Vaccine; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  15. Treating a Fever Without Medicine; American Academy of Pediatrics
  16. Control; The American Mosquito Control Association
  17. Dengue Fever (for Parents); Nemours KidsHealth

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Dr. Vivek Goswami
Dr. Vivek GoswamiMD, MRCPCH
Dr. Vivek Goswami is a senior consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Fortis Hospital, Noida. With an experience of 12 years, he has a passion for providing dedicated, state-of-the-art pediatric and adolescent care.    Dr.

Read full bio of Dr. Vivek Goswami
Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor
Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.

Read full bio of Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Shinta Liz Sunny
Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech
Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

Read full bio of Shinta Liz Sunny
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