Arboviruses, especially the Chikungunya virus, are particularly prevalent at the extremes of age. Children are among the most affected populations today. This is a concern for both families and healthcare professionals. Given the diverse symptoms, manifestations, and complications that can put a child’s life at risk.
To understand how this virus behaves in pediatric patients in the Holguin region, Dr. Alberto Rubén Piriz Assa, head of the Maternal and Child Health Program (PAMI) at the General Directorate of Health (DGS), highlights the main issues to consider. He explains that “There is an increase in fever among the pediatric population. We are going to talk specifically about arboviral diseases. Which encompass a series of illnesses that affect the very young and the very old. Primarily very young children, where it is crucial to consider the significance of fever, specifically the Chikungunya virus.”
“With this virus, fever in young children up to seven years old is persistent. Lasting 24 hours a day, for three to four days. It is from the fourth day onward that a decrease in the frequency and severity of fever begins to be observed. The response that antipyretic medications typically have on fever is practically nil. It does not respond to this type of treatment.”
Regarding some new elements concerning the behavior of this virus. Also the pediatric intensivist notes that “another element that our population needs to know is that, in the context of this rise in arboviral infections, febrile syndromes, or fevers without a focus. The diseases that normally affect this population have not disappeared. Therefore, infectious diseases coexist and are associated with arboviral infections.”
“Moreover the above has specific significance for younger children who haven’t completed their vaccination schedule and may have associated risk factors such as low birth weight or premature birth. When there’s a cluster of patients with a particular arbovirus or disease, the typical clinical presentation of that illness changes.
We might find children showing signs of complications by the ninth day. Whereas normally, recovery would begin after the fifth day, and they would be on the path to healing. This is important. Post-convalescent care upon hospital discharge is crucial. We recommend seeking medical attention for any changes in their condition.”
Futhermore there are numerous advantages to seeking medical help for children promptly when symptoms begin. This principle can make all the difference in their health. The value of going to the doctor quickly and not waiting for days to pass is paramount.
In that regard, the health official emphasized that “an observation center has been set up in the emergency room of the Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja Pediatric Hospital. Some children are arriving on the third day after showing symptoms. We recommend that they come in on the first day. This will facilitate the early initiation of treatment to replace fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea, which are common symptoms of the illness.”
Some warning signs that may indicate the need to begin intravenous hydration are explained by the intensive care specialist. Who clarifies that “our population needs to understand that there are certain times when a child can no longer be hydrated orally and requires intravenous fluids. Children who take more than four hours to urinate are a cause for alarm. As is the fact that their body fluids are dry, as mothers often describe it.
Specifically, children under three months old may be behaving unusually. Presenting with irritability, persistent fever, and changes in the color of their legs. With bluish patches—a type of acrocyanosis described in the disease.”
It is very important when the child stops feeding normally. When this is accompanied by persistent vomiting. These are factors to consider when starting intravenous fluids, he emphasized. Special attention should be paid to the last trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women should take precautions and protect themselves by wearing socks, pants, and insect repellent. Because if the mother suspects she has an arboviral infection in the days leading up to delivery, the baby can become infected in the first few days of life.
However, Dr. Piriz Assa believes that the decisive battle against the Aedes mosquito is not only fought in hospitals but also in homes and communities. Where collective action is the first line of defense. We must prioritize health and well-being. The health system has the necessary resources to treat these diseases in childhood. All our children will be treated with the strongest scientific basis in the institutions designated for this purpose, he concluded.
Given the complications that any arboviral infection can cause in young children, prompt family action is crucial.
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