Your Infant has Dengue

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What is Dengue?

Dengue is an illness spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. If you live in or are traveling to an area with risk of dengue, protect your infant from mosquito bites.

Symptoms: Your Infant Can’t Tell You He or She is Sick

Symptoms of dengue in an infant may be difficult to recognize and are similar to other common childhood infections. See a healthcare provider immediately if your infant develops a fever with any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever or a low temperature (less than 36°C or 96.8°F) with any of the following:
    • Sleepiness, lack of energy, or irritability
    • Rash
    • Unusual bleeding (gums, nose, bruising)
    • Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)

Symptoms of dengue can quickly become severe, requiring immediate medical attention or hospitalization.

Doctor treating an infant

Caring for Your Sick Infant at Home

  • Control the fever: Give acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol outside the United States). Always follow label instructions. Give cool water sponge baths.
  • 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

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration

Signs of severe dehydration

Signs of severe dehydration

Signs of severe dehydration

Urinates less frequently (less than 6 wet diapers per day)

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration

Urinates less frequently (less than 6 wet diapers per day)

Sleepiness, lack of energy, very fussy

Signs of severe dehydration

Sleepiness, lack of energy, very fussy

Dry mouth, tongue, lips

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration

Dry mouth, tongue, lips

Sunken eyes

Signs of severe dehydration

Sunken eyes

Few or no tears when crying

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration

Few or no tears when crying

Cool, discolored hands or feet

Signs of severe dehydration

Cool, discolored hands or feet

Sunken soft spot of the head

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration

Sunken soft spot of the head

Urinates 1-2 times per day

Signs of severe dehydration

Urinates 1-2 times per day

What to do: Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately.

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration

What to do: Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately.

What to do: Go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room.

Signs of severe dehydration

What to do: Go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room.

Page last reviewed: October 31, 2019
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD)