Key points
- There are no medicines available for dengue treatment.
- Symptoms of dengue in an infant may be difficult to recognize and are similar to other common childhood infections.
- When caring for a sick infant at home, control fever, give plenty of fluids, and watch for signs of dehydration.
At home care
- Control the fever
- Give acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol outside the United States). Always follow label instructions.
- Give cool water sponge baths.
- Give acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol outside the United States). Always follow label instructions.
- Give plenty of fluids such as water or drinks with added electrolytes. Dehydration occurs when a person loses too much body fluid from fever, vomiting, or not drinking enough fluids.
- Watch for signs of dehydration and seek care immediately if your infant develops signs of dehydration.
Signs of mild to moderate dehydration
- Urinates less frequently (less than 6 wet diapers per day)
- Dry mouth, tongue, lips
- Few or no tears when crying
- Sunken soft spot of the head or eyes
What to do:
Contact your child's pediatrician immediately.
Signs of severe dehydration
- Sleepiness, lack of energy, very fussy
- Sunken eyes
- Cool, discolored hands or feet
- Urinates 1-2 times per day
What to do:
Go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room.
Protect other family members
- If you your infant has dengue, keep preventing mosquito bites.
- During the first week of illness, dengue can be found in the blood. The virus can be passed from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites.