Dengue season is here: 6 things everyone should know before a fever strikes

The arrival of the monsoon usually means paper boats, muddy puddles, and children rushing outdoors with bright umbrellas.

But along with the romance of rain comes a less welcome visitor: dengue.

Across India, cases climb sharply during and after the rainy season, making awareness just as important as umbrellas and raincoats.According to the World Health Organization, dengue cases have surged worldwide over the past two decades, and India remains one of the countries carrying a large share of the burden.

There is still no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, which makes prevention and timely care the strongest weapons.Dr Sanju Siddaraddi, Neonatologist and Pediatrician at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai, said, “Every monsoon, parents ask how they can strengthen their children’s immunity and protect them from common illnesses.

One infection they especially need to remain vigilant about is dengue.”Here are six things that deserve a permanent place on every parent's monsoon checklist.Don't let less rain fool you.

Dengue risk may still be highMany people assume that fewer showers mean fewer mosquitoes.

Surprisingly, that is not always true.Dr Sanju Siddaraddi explained, “Many parents assume that lower rainfall automatically means lower dengue risk.

But previous outbreaks have shown that moderate rainfall spread across warm, humid days can sometimes create more favourable breeding conditions for dengue-carrying mosquitoes than heavy rain.”Heavy downpours can wash away mosquito larvae, but small pools of water that remain untouched for days become ideal nurseries for Aedes mosquitoes.

Even water collected in a forgotten bucket or plant tray can become a breeding ground.The lesson is simple: dengue prevention should continue throughout the season, regardless of whether the rains are heavy or sparse.The cleanest homes can still hide mosquito breeding spotsOne of the biggest myths surrounding dengue is that mosquitoes thrive only in dirty surroundings.

In reality, the Aedes mosquito prefers clean stagnant water.“Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue can breed in surprisingly small amounts of clean stagnant water,” said Dr Siddaraddi.Parents should pay attention to places that rarely make the cleaning checklist:Flowerpot traysWater coolersPet bowlsBird feedersAC outlet pipesBalcony cornersRooftops and clogged drainsA spotless home does not guarantee safety.

Mosquitoes do not respect gates, apartment towers, or neighbourhood status.

Children may also encounter mosquitoes at schools, parks, or daycare centres.

Community vigilance matters as much as household cleanliness.

A mosquito bite is easier to prevent than a hospital stayFor families, dengue is not just about fever.

A child's illness can disrupt school, sports, sleep, and sometimes lead to nearly a week in hospital.Dr Siddaraddi said, “An episode of dengue can lead to 5-6 days of hospitalization for children.

Dengue can also be life-threatening in some cases, and with no specific treatment available, awareness and early action are critical.”Simple precautions often work surprisingly well:Choose full-sleeved clothes and long trousers for children.Use child-safe mosquito repellents.Install window screens and mosquito nets.Keep rooms well-ventilated.Avoid allowing water to collect around the house.These measures may seem ordinary, but they remain among the most effective ways to reduce risk.Fever during monsoon deserves attention, not assumptionsParents often dismiss fever as "seasonal viral infection".

But dengue and common viral illnesses can look very similar in the early stages.“Parents should avoid dismissing fever as a seasonal viral infection, especially during monsoon months.

Any persistent or high-grade fever should be evaluated by a doctor,” said Dr Siddaraddi.Common symptoms include:High feverBody achesSevere headachePain behind the eyesRashWeakness and tirednessSome children may also become unusually irritable or develop vomiting and abdominal pain.Early diagnosis helps doctors monitor the illness closely and identify complications before they become dangerous.Home remedies cannot replace medical careWhenever dengue strikes, social media gets flooded with miracle cures.

Papaya leaf juice, goat milk and herbal mixtures are often promoted as treatments.But science has not found enough evidence to show that these remedies can cure dengue or prevent severe disease.Dr Siddaraddi said, “There is limited scientific evidence that these remedies treat dengue or prevent severe disease.

Delaying medical evaluation while relying solely on home remedies can increase the risk of complications.”The real pillars of recovery are:Plenty of fluidsAdequate restRegular medical monitoringTimely advice from healthcare professionalsHydration matters because dengue can lead to dangerous fluid loss.

Water, soups, milk, coconut water and fresh juices may help maintain fluid levels.The danger sometimes begins when the fever endsPerhaps the most surprising fact about dengue is that the critical stage often arrives when parents think their child is getting better.“One of the most important things parents should know is that warning signs often appear after the fever begins to settle, just when the child may seem to be improving,” said Dr Siddaraddi.The period between the third and fifth day of illness requires close observation.Seek urgent medical attention if the child develops:Persistent vomitingSevere stomach painBleeding gums or noseRed spots on the skinBlood in vomit or stoolsExtreme weakness or sleepinessContinuous cryingBreathing difficultyExcessive thirstPale, cold, clammy skinDr Siddaraddi added, “Early recognition of these warning signs can be lifesaving.”Medical experts consultedThis article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by:Dr Sanju Siddaraddi, Neonatologist & Pediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai.Inputs were used to highlight key facts every parent should know about dengue, the importance of timely medical attention, and practical ways to reduce the risk of infection this monsoon.