23 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Dengue fever in children often begins quietly, making it easy for parents to mistake the early signs for a routine viral infection. Paediatric doctors warn that this initial phase is the most critical, as delayed recognition can allow the illness to progress into a more severe and dangerous form. Dengue typically starts with a sudden high fever, often rising above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and may not respond well to common fever medicines. Unlike a common cold or viral fever, this high temperature appears abruptly and is usually accompanied by unusual weakness.
One of the most commonly missed symptoms is extreme tiredness. Children with dengue may appear unusually sleepy, lethargic, or inactive, even when the fever temporarily comes down. Parents often assume this is normal fatigue related to fever, but doctors say this level of exhaustion is disproportionate and should raise concern. Alongside this, many children lose their appetite completely and may complain of nausea or experience mild vomiting in the early days of infection.
As the illness progresses, older children may report severe headaches and pain behind the eyes, which is considered a classic dengue symptom. Younger children, who may not be able to express discomfort clearly, might rub their eyes frequently, cry without an obvious reason, or appear irritable. Muscle and joint pain is another early sign that often goes unnoticed. Commonly referred to as “breakbone fever,” dengue can cause significant pain in the legs and body, which parents sometimes confuse with growing pains or general weakness.
A mild skin rash or red patches may appear during the early phase, but these are often fleeting and can disappear within hours, making them easy to overlook. Abdominal discomfort is another subtle but important symptom. Persistent stomach pain, bloating, or tenderness, especially when combined with fever, is considered an early warning sign that the condition could worsen if not addressed promptly.
Doctors emphasise that dengue can become dangerous during the critical phase, usually between the third and sixth day of illness, when fever may suddenly drop but the child’s condition worsens. Warning signs include repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, cold or clammy hands and feet, rapid breathing, restlessness, or confusion. These symptoms may indicate severe dengue or dengue shock, which requires immediate hospital care.
Acting quickly is crucial if dengue is suspected. Parents are strongly advised against self-medication, especially avoiding painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. Paracetamol should only be given under medical guidance. Early blood tests, including platelet counts and dengue-specific tests, help doctors monitor the disease closely and decide the right course of treatment.
Hydration plays a vital role in recovery. Children with dengue are at high risk of dehydration, which can worsen complications. Frequent small sips of fluids such as oral rehydration solution, water, coconut water, or clear soups are recommended, particularly if the child is nauseous. Doctors also stress the importance of daily monitoring during the illness, as platelet levels can fall suddenly, even when the child appears stable.
Paediatric experts underline that most serious dengue complications occur due to delayed medical attention rather than the virus itself. When detected early and managed properly, most children recover fully without long-term effects. Parents are urged to remain alert during dengue season and seek medical advice promptly if a child develops high fever accompanied by weakness, body pain, or stomach discomfort.
Summary
Dengue in children often starts with subtle signs like high fever, weakness, stomach pain, and rash. Early medical attention, hydration, and monitoring are vital to prevent severe complications and ensure recovery.