Can children get dengue?
Yes. Children of all age groups can get dengue. In 2005, KK Hospital saw its youngest ever dengue victim - an 11-day-old baby. But it is usually older children aged seven and above who can develop the more serious types of dengue, such as dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Does dengue affect children more seriously than adults?
Infants and young children usually just have a mild fever and a rash. Older children and adults may have the classical symptoms of high fever - severe headache, pain behind the eyes and in the joints and muscles, and rashes.
If they have a more severe dengue attack, children are more likely to develop DHF. This is because their blood vessels are more permeable than adults', and leak more blood plasma, causing dengue to develop into a more severe form.
How are children treated for dengue?
Treatment and management of serious dengue in children are similar to those for adults - treat the symptoms and prevent dehydration.
Can pregnant women pass the dengue virus to their unborn children?
Yes, although there have been no such cases reported here so far. A mother's placenta does not prevent the virus from crossing over to the foetus. The survival of the foetus depends on the clinical condition of the mother. Although the foetus does not die from the virus itself, it can be harmed if the mother develops a more severe case of dengue, or goes into dengue shock syndrome.
Can a child spread dengue to others?
No, dengue is not transmitted by direct spread from one individual to another but by infected mosquito bites.
Are repellents and eucalyptus oil safe for children?
Mosquito repellents with meta-N,N-diethyl toluamide (Deet) concentrations of between 7 and 20 per cent are safe for children aged two and above. Higher concentrations are for adults only. Children under two should avoid Deet repellents, while children under three should not use eucalyptus oil.
Sources: Communicable Disease Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, World Health Organisation