About Dengue Fever ..

Dengue (or denggi) is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in Malaysia. It is so common that the Health Ministry maintains a current dengue report on its homepage, updated weekly. Dengue causes a high fever and a rash. Most people with dengue will be ill for about 10 days and, with the right treatment, will then recover. 

How does dengue spread? 

The female tiger mosquito spreads the dengue virus. Unlike most mosquitoes, dengue-causing mosquitoes bite during the day. 

These mosquitoes breed in warm, humid weather and in stagnant water. This is why the number of dengue cases increases during the monsoon season. 

What are the symptoms of dengue fever? 

Dengue in infants and toddlers usually starts with the symptoms of a viral illness:

• high fever or temperature;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• a mild skin rash.

Older children may have:

• a high fever;
• pain behind the eyes and in the joints;
• backaches and headaches.

They may also develop a red and white patchy skin rash. This may be followed by:

• loss of appetite;
• nausea;
• vommiting;
• itchiness on the soles of the feet.

Most people with dengue feel very weak. This can last for some time after the illness.

What do I do if I think my child has dengue fever? 

If your child has a fever and skin rashes or aching joints, contact your doctor immediately. As the symptoms of dengue and chikungunya are similar, your doctor may ask for a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. 

There is no specific cure for dengue, but there is treatment for the symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe paracetamol for the fever. Don't give your child any anti-inflammatories - they could affect your child's blood platelets. 

You can:

• make sure your child gets plenty of rest;
• give him light and nourishing food;
• put a wet cloth on his forehead every so often to help bring the fever down.

Dengue may last up to 10 days, but some people may continue feeling tired for up to a month. 

How can I reduce the chances of my child picking up dengue? 

There is no vaccine against dengue. The best way to protect your child is to get rid of the mosquitoes that spread the virus. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Make sure your house and the surrounding area is free of stagnant water, rotting vegetation and old flowerpots, especially in the monsoon season. 

You could also: 

• dress your child in long-sleeved clothing and trousers to reduce exposed skin;


• dress your child wear light-coloured clothes (dark colours attract mosquitoes);


• use citronella oil-based creams and sprays or other herbal mosquito repellents;


• use mosquito nets while sleeping;


• if you do not already have them, install mosquito meshes on windows;


• air conditioning also helps keeps mosquitoes at bay.

Even if your child has had an attack of dengue, it does not give him immunity against the other three closely-related, but distinct dengue viruses. Untreated dengue can develop into dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) which can cause bleeding, liver failure, convulsions and even death. Also, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) usually develops in people who have already had dengue. So, prevention is very important. 

Also read about malaria and chikungunya in babies and children. 

Expecting? Find out how you can protect yourself from malaria, dengue andchikungunya during pregnancy. 



Are other mums worried about dengue? Ask them! You'll find them today in ourParenting forum. 

Children's health care Children's health care

MAKE SURE your child stay healthy is a big task and can be their worst nightmare for the parents!

First two years of a child is the most important because at this point that brain development occurs. If a woman does not get enough nutrition during pregnancy, or if their child did not receive adequate nutrition at this time, physical and mental growth of children may be slow. This can not be replaced when the older children - it will affect the child all his life.

Asian children to be weaned early so parents must make it a habit to give them at least 2-3 glasses of milk every day, until they were teenagers. Calcium is important for healthy bones.

Because of advertising, children are very influenced by unhealthy snacks. In the long run, this may lead to malnutrition or obesity.

Eating snacks between meal time is strictly prohibited. Because it is difficult to control this fully, it is necessary to give them a multi-vitamin supplements to reduce the negative effects.

Whether your child is new wobble or teenagers, you can take steps to improve nutrition and encourage smart eating habits even in practice, a balanced diet in childhood is difficult to follow.

Here are some guidelines provided by the Mayo Clinic for a healthy diet.

From birth to 2 years:

* Breast milk is the only one of the best food for babies from birth to age six months. It provides good nutrition and protect against infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year, if possible. If breast feeding is impossible or undesirable, iron-fortified formula (not cow's milk) should not be used during the first 12 months.Complete milk can be used to replace cow's milk formula or breast milk after the age of 12 months.

* Breastfeeding babies who do not get regular exposure to sunlight may need to receive supplements of vitamin D.

* Start with solid food at age four to six months. Most experts recommend a baby rice cereal fortified with iron as first food.

* Start a new food at a time so much easier to identify problem foods.For example, wait a week before adding any grain, vegetables or other new foods.

* Use an iron-rich foods, such as grains, iron-fortified cereals, and meat.

* Do not feed honey to infants during the first 12 months.

* Do not limit fat during the first two years.

Two years and older:

* Provide a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

* Use salt (sodium) and sugar in moderation.

* Encourage a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

* Help your child maintain a healthy weight by providing the right food and encourage them to exercise regularly.

According to Facts for Life UNICEF, each year, nearly 11 million children die from causes that can be prevented before their fifth birthday.Millions of children still alive, only to face a bleak future, can not develop their full potential.

Many of these deaths can be prevented if parents and caregivers understand what to do when the disease attacks and how to recognize danger signs that signal the need for medical assistance.

Some common diseases that can be prevented among children through immunization, including polio, tetanus, measles and chickenpox.Parents should not neglect to bring their children to visit a doctor to reduce infections, illness and death rates.

There is no fail-safe methods to avoid common infections and often, it takes one or two weeks to disappear. However, to promote and practice good personal hygiene is in line with measures to prevent these common infections.