Dengue and Chikungunya Infections in Children

Dengue and Chikungunya are two important mosquito-borne acute febrile illnesses in children. With increased urbanization and newer strains of chikungunya virus with improved transmission with Aedes albopictus, the at-risk population for these infections has greatly increased. Dengue fever has been classified by WHO as dengue with/ without warning signs and severe dengue. Severe dengue is associated with hemorrhagic manifestations, hypovolemia and hypotension secondary to third space loss due to capillary leak or severe end organ dysfunction. NS1 antigen detection and dengue polymerase chain reaction, [polymerase chain reaction (PCR during first 5 d)] and IgM for dengue (6th day of fever onwards) are commonly utilized diagnostic tests. Appropriate fluid therapy with timely tapering of intravenous fluid rate with hematocrit, treatment of hemorrhagic manifestations and clinical monitoring are the mainstay of dengue treatment. Chikungunya has less severe course with shorter febrile phase with prominent and persistent joint symptoms. PCR and IgM against chikungunya are appropriate investigations. Treatment is supportive for chikungunya infection with appropriate joint pain relief.