Protecting your child from Dengue

With monsoons around the corner, cases of mosquito borne diseases such as dengue are bound to increase. Dengue is a very prevalent infection around the world which is passed on by mosquitoes. It can be especially serious for young children. You should take certain precautions to protect your child against dengue infection. These precautions have been listed below:

Protect your child against mosquito bites

• The dengue mosquito is most likely to bite around dusk and dawn. Limit outside activity of your child during these hours; 2 hours after sunrise and beyond sunset.
• The dengue mosquito is one of the few which is active during the day. Hence proper precaution should be taken during the daytime as well.
• Ensure that your child is wearing protective clothing. Make your child wear long sleeved clothes and lose fit ones. This limits the exposed area of the skin for mosquitos.
• Use insect repellents which contain DEET as an active compound .
• Use coils or vapours inside the home to prevent the spread of mosquitoes .
• Use screens or nets at the doors and windows.
• You can also use bed nets during the night.
• Older children should also be aware about the importance of preventing mosquito bites. You can help your child understand that the bite of mosquitoes spread diseases which are dangerous. This makes them more responsible and more likely to protect themselves and their siblings.

Protect babies and toddlers against mosquito bites

• You should cover the cribs and strollers of your baby or toddler with mosquito netting.
• Only use age appropriate mosquito repellents in young children. You should not use repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus in children younger than 3 years of age.
• Make a protective area by placing mosquito net around the play area of your child.

Eliminating mosquitoes

• Keep areas around your house and your house clean to prevent mosquito infestation.
• Clean areas like gutters and areas with stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding in them.
• Do not allow water to be collected in any container such as broken bottles or empty pots.
• Always cover large containers of water such as buckets and tubs.
• Empty and replace water from containers of stagnant water such as flowers at least once a week.
• Encourage your neighbours to follow the same steps and also prevent mosquito breeding.

Vaccination against Dengue

Dengue vaccine was recently approved by the WHO for use in specific cases. It can be used to prevent recurrent infection in children who have been previously infected. A single type of vaccine has been approved while other vaccines under trial and may be approved in the upcoming years.

Dengvaxia (CYT-TDV) is the live attenuated vaccine which was licensed for use in children. It is available for use in children between the ages of 9-12 years of age. Unlike other vaccines which are given to prevent infections, it should only be given in children who are a previous case of clinically confirmed infection. You can contact your health care provider regarding the vaccine if you child has been infected by dengue previously.