Dengue in children: Some early signs parents must pay attention to

Children may not always be able to explain how they’re feeling, which can delay timely diagnosis and treatment.

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | Updated: August 21, 2025 05:29 PM IST

3 min read

Parents should look out for these signs of dengue in children (Source: Freepik)

As we witness the monsoon season again this year, there is bound to be a rise in dengue cases across the country.

It is a mosquito-borne illness that can turn serious very quickly, especially in children whose immune systems are still developing. While the disease often starts with flu-like symptoms, early warning signs can sometimes be missed or mistaken for something less severe. This makes it crucial for parents to know what to look out for in the first few days of infection.

Children may not always be able to explain how they’re feeling, which can delay timely diagnosis and treatment. Subtle symptoms like persistent fever, unusual tiredness, or sudden changes in appetite might be brushed off as common viral complaints.

Dr Sarita Sharma, senior consultant — paediatrics, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, talks about the specific red flags of dengue that can help parents act quickly and seek medical attention before the condition worsens.

The earliest symptoms of dengue in children that parents should pay close attention to

Dr Sharma tells indianexpress.com, “The earliest symptoms of dengue in children often appear suddenly and may seem similar to other viral illnesses. Parents should look out for a sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. In younger children, irritability, unusual tiredness, or continuous crying may also be signs. These symptoms typically develop within 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.”

How can parents differentiate between common viral infections and dengue in the initial stages?

It can be challenging to differentiate dengue from other viral infections early on, but there are some clues. Dengue fever usually starts with a very high temperature that comes on quickly, unlike the gradual fever seen in many viral infections.

“Body aches, joint pain, and pain behind the eyes are more characteristic of dengue. A rash appearing after a few days of fever, along with persistent vomiting, further raises suspicion. In contrast, common viral infections in children often come with cold symptoms such as cough, sore throat, or runny nose, which are less typical in dengue,” notes Dr Sharma.

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Immediate steps parents should take if they suspect their child might have dengue

If dengue is suspected, parents should seek medical attention promptly rather than trying home remedies.

Dr Sharma stresses, “Only give medicines prescribed by a doctor; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. Paracetamol can be used safely for fever, if advised. Keeping the child well hydrated is extremely important — encourage water, oral rehydration solutions, coconut water, or clear soups.”

“Parents should also monitor for warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, bleeding gums or nose, blood in stools, or unusual drowsiness. If any of these occur, the child must be taken to the hospital immediately,” adds Dr Sharma.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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