By Datuk Dr ZULKIFLI HJ. ISMAIL and Datuk Dr IEAN HAMZAH-SENDUT

DENGUE fever is a fever that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, the vector that transmits the dengue virus.

Dengue is spread from one person to another through the bite of this mosquito which occurs in the day time. Dengue fever often occurs in areas where the virus is prevalent and the mosquitoes breed.

The fever usually lasts three to seven days and in the course of it, red rashes may appear. Dengue fever is dangerous because the patient can bleed and become weak very quickly.

Symptoms of dengue

• Fever lasting more than three days
• Skin appears reddish with islands of white
• Abdominal pain, headache and joint pains
• Vomiting blood or blood noticed when brushing teeth
• Body feels cold, and can be accompanied by onset of erratic behaviour
• Decreased urination

What parents can do

• Give the right dosage of paracetamol to control the fever
• Encourage your child to drink more water/fluids
• Check your child for red rashes or red spots (face and body)
• Prevent further mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and ensure that no water is collected in receptacles(such as vases, flower pot holders, etc) around the home as these act as breeding grounds for the Aedes agypti mosquito

Refer to a doctor immediately when

• Fever is prolonged
• Appearance of red rashes around the face and body
• Dengue cases have been reported in your residential area
• If you suspect and are worried that your child may have contracted dengue fever

Patients with dengue haemorrhagic fever need to have intravenous fluid infused. Bleeding may only occur in a minority of dengue patients.

Most dengue patients have fever only and do not present with bleeding. However, both parents and doctors have to be vigilant and look for signs of bleeding or impending shock.

Article excerpted from 'Penyakit Kanak-kanak A-Z' written by Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hj. Ismail and Dato' Dr Iean Hamzah-Sendut.

This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association for the Positive Parenting Programme. For further information, please visit www.mypositiveparenting.org. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.