Dengue fever is a disease that occurs almost year-round in Thailand, with the highest outbreaks during the rainy season when Aedes mosquitoes can breed well. The danger of this disease is that it can cause death, especially in children who may be bitten by mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus without adequate protection… But parents don’t need to worry because there is now a vaccine to prevent dengue fever.
Get to Know “Dengue Fever”
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which has 4 serotypes: dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4.
It is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes that carry these viruses.
Stages of Dengue Fever
Based on symptoms, the disease can be divided into 3 stages as follows:
- High fever stage: At the onset, there is a high fever of 38-40 degrees Celsius lasting 2-7 days, flushed face, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Some may have red spots on the body, arms, and legs.
- Critical stage: Occurs around days 3-6.
- Recovery stage: This is when plasma returns to the bloodstream, general symptoms improve, and appetite begins to return.
Risk Groups for Dengue Fever
Groups at risk of illness
- School-aged children, 5 – 14 years old
Groups at risk of death
- Adults aged 35 and above, and the elderly
- Those who are obese and have chronic underlying diseases
- Self-medicating with oral drugs
- Receiving intramuscular injections (NSAIDs)
If you have symptoms… it may be dengue fever. See a doctor immediately.
- Symptoms worsen when the fever subsides or still feel weak after the fever goes down
- Abnormal bleeding
- Severe vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Lethargy, not drinking water, some may be very thirsty
- Shock symptoms, restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying in young children
- Behavioral changes such as incoherent speech
- Delirium, cold body, sweating, mottled skin
Dengue Fever… Can Be Prevented
Besides avoiding mosquito bites, parents should do the following:
- Help eliminate mosquito larvae and reduce Aedes mosquito breeding sites
- Dispose of containers holding stagnant water or no longer in use, such as burying or burning them, and turn over unused containers
- Add saltwater, vinegar, or detergent powder to water in dish trays under cupboards to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs
Dengue Fever Vaccination
How the dengue vaccine benefits children
The dengue vaccine is used to prevent dengue fever caused by dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4. It can be given to children aged 9 years and older up to 45 years old. The vaccine is administered in 3 doses at 0, 6, and 12 months. After completing the vaccination, it has been found to prevent dengue fever by 65.6%, reduce disease severity by 92.9%, and reduce hospitalization rates by 80.8%.
Parents interested in having their children vaccinated can consult a pediatrician for advice regarding the dengue fever vaccine.
