Chikungunya In Babies Xyz

A lot of buzz can be heard this season, with all those nasty mosquitoes flying around and breeding in damp areas of your house or your society. Chikungunya is gradually spreading in many parts of the country. The symptoms can be quite confusing as it is similar to malaria. Most of us are not aware of this deadly disease which spreads through mosquitoes.

Did you know, chikungunya is very harmful to babies and expecting mothers! The first mother-to child transmission of this disease happened between 2005-2006. The newborn babies are the ones at most risk because their immune system is fragile and it is difficult for their body to react to it. Plus, it is very difficult to detect chikungunya in babies and small kids.

How Is It Caused?

Chikungunya is transmitted by two types of mosquito called the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. The scary part is that these mosquitos don’t just bite at night or the evening, they can bite at any time of the day. So, your baby is susceptible to it even when the sun is up.

What Are The Symptoms?

-This disease is painful even for little ones to undergo. The following are the symptoms-

-A commonly visible symptom is a high fever of up to 100 degree F.

-Your child will not feel like eating anything at all.

-The baby will have unusual sleepiness and irritability.

-There will be rashes on your baby’s body.

-Fatigue and pain in the joints especially the arms and legs.

-There are nausea and a lot of vomiting.

-You will see swollen joints.

-An excruciating headache.

How To Be Sure That Your Child Is Suffering From Chikungunya?

If you remotely see any signs or symptoms of this disease, you must rush to the doctor immediately and get a blood test done just to be sure. The treatment depends on the result of the test, so choose the method of treatment accordingly.

What Is The General Treatment Given?

The baby should be given enough rest.

Your baby should be hydrated all the time so that he won’t be dehydrated. Babies who have not completed even 6 months of age, they should be given only breast milk. Babies who can digest other fluids can be given water or other rehydration depending on the doctor’s prescription.

How Can I Prevent This From Harming My Baby?

-Ensure that your house is not surrounded by any stagnant water bodies. Also, the common household items like your flower vase could contain stagnant water. If you don’t clean it up, mosquitos will use it as their favorite in house breeding center.

-Refrain from throwing trash around your house. Use the disposable bags to dump all your trash.

-Unclogging drains seems like a great idea to prevent the stagnation of water.

-Use mosquito nets and other preventive mesh to prevent the mosquitoes from entering your house.

-If you have an air conditioner at home, turn it on!! Because mosquitoes cannot survive in cold temperatures.

-Cover your baby’s stroller and his crib with mosquito net so that he’s safe from this deadly disease.

-Clothe your baby in full yet loose clothes so that he’s comfortable and safe at the same time.

-Mommies, take care and be on your guard!