What temperature is considered a fever. How can you tell if a fever is dangerous. When should you seek medical attention for a child’s fever. What are common misconceptions about fevers in children. How do you properly treat a fever at home.

Understanding Fever: Myths vs. Facts

Fever is often a source of concern for parents, but many common beliefs about fever are actually misconceptions. Let’s explore some prevalent myths and the corresponding facts to help you better understand and manage fevers in children.

Myth #1: Low-Grade Fever Starts at 98.7°F

Many people believe that temperatures between 98.7°F and 100°F (37.1°C to 37.8°C) constitute a low-grade fever. However, this is not accurate. These temperatures fall within the normal range of body temperature variation throughout the day.

What is considered a fever? A true fever is defined as any temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It’s important to note that body temperature naturally fluctuates, typically being higher in the afternoon and evening.

Myth #2: Fevers Are Harmful and Dangerous

Contrary to popular belief, fevers are not inherently dangerous. In fact, they serve a protective function in the body. A fever is a sign that the immune system is actively working to combat an infection.

Do fevers cause brain damage? No, fevers do not cause brain damage. This is a common misconception that often leads to unnecessary worry. The human body has mechanisms to prevent temperatures from reaching dangerous levels during a typical fever.

Can fevers cause seizures? While it’s true that some children may experience febrile seizures, this occurs in only about 4% of children with fevers. These seizures, although frightening to witness, usually stop within five minutes and do not cause long-term harm or developmental issues.

Treating Fevers: When and How

Understanding when and how to treat a fever is crucial for proper care. Let’s dispel another common myth and explore the facts about fever treatment.

Myth #3: All Fevers Require Medication

It’s a widespread belief that every fever needs to be treated with medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, this is not necessarily true.

When should you treat a fever? Fevers only need treatment if the child is uncomfortable. For young children, this usually means fevers over 102°F or 103°F (39°C or 39.4°C). It’s important to note that there’s no harm in not treating a fever if the child is comfortable.

What should you expect after treating a fever? With treatment, fevers typically decrease by 2°F or 3°F (1.1°C or 1.7°C) but may not disappear completely. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Assessing Fever Severity: Beyond the Numbers

When it comes to fevers, many parents focus solely on the temperature reading. However, there’s more to consider when assessing the severity of a fever.

Myth #4: The Exact Temperature Determines Severity

It’s a common misconception that the higher the fever, the more serious the underlying cause. However, this is not always the case.

What’s more important than the temperature? The child’s overall appearance and behavior are more indicative of the severity of illness than the exact temperature. A child with a high fever who is still active and responsive is likely less concerning than a child with a lower fever who appears very ill.

Are there exceptions to this rule? Yes, for infants under 3 months of age. Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, any fever in this age group warrants immediate medical attention, regardless of how the baby appears.

Fever Persistence: What It Means

Another area of concern for many parents is when a fever doesn’t seem to respond to treatment. Let’s address this common worry.

Myth #5: Persistent Fever Indicates Serious Illness

Many believe that if a fever doesn’t break with treatment, it must be caused by a serious condition. However, this is not necessarily true.

Does fever persistence indicate severity? The duration or resistance of a fever to treatment does not directly correlate with the seriousness of the underlying cause. Some viral infections can cause persistent fevers that don’t respond well to medication, yet they’re not necessarily dangerous.

What should you focus on instead? Again, the child’s overall condition is more important than the fever itself. If your child has a persistent fever but is still eating, drinking, and behaving relatively normally, it’s less concerning than a child who appears very ill, regardless of their temperature.

Understanding Body Temperature Regulation

To fully grasp the concept of fever, it’s essential to understand how the body regulates its temperature under normal circumstances.

Normal Body Temperature Variations

What is considered a normal body temperature? The average body temperature is often cited as 98.6°F (37°C), but this is just an average. Normal body temperature can range from 97.7°F to 99.5°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C).

How does body temperature change throughout the day? Body temperature naturally fluctuates, typically being lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening. This variation is normal and not indicative of illness.

The Body’s Temperature Control Mechanisms

How does the body maintain its temperature? Several organs play a role in temperature regulation, including the skin, brain, muscles, and blood vessels. When the body needs to cool down, it may increase sweat production or move blood closer to the skin’s surface. Conversely, when warming up is needed, the body can constrict blood vessels and induce shivering.

Causes of Fever: Beyond Infections

While infections are the most common cause of fevers, particularly in children, there are numerous other potential causes worth considering.

Common Infectious Causes

• Flu
• Common cold
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Sinus infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections

Non-Infectious Causes of Fever

Can fever be caused by conditions other than infections? Yes, several non-infectious conditions can lead to elevated body temperature:

• Heatstroke
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Some types of cancer
• Hormone disorders
• Certain medications or illegal drugs
• Blood clots
• Appendicitis

Are there benign causes of fever in children? Yes, young children may experience temporary fevers due to teething or as a short-term response to immunizations. These fevers are generally not a cause for concern.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever

While most fevers are not dangerous, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Understanding these scenarios can help parents make informed decisions about their child’s health.

Age-Based Guidelines

When should you seek medical attention for an infant’s fever? For babies under 3 months old, any fever (100.4°F or 38°C and above) warrants immediate medical attention, regardless of other symptoms. This is because infants in this age group have immature immune systems and are at higher risk for serious infections.

What about older children? For children over 3 months, the decision to seek medical care depends more on the child’s symptoms and behavior than on the fever itself. However, very high fevers (above 104°F or 40°C) or fevers that persist for more than a few days should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Symptom-Based Guidelines

What symptoms, along with fever, indicate a need for medical attention? Consider seeking medical care if your child has a fever accompanied by:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or excessive sleepiness
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Seizures
• Unusual rashes, especially those that don’t blanch when pressed
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, decreased urination)

Remember, trust your instincts. If you’re worried about your child’s condition, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare provider.

Home Care for Fevers: Tips and Techniques

While not all fevers require treatment, there are several ways to provide comfort and support recovery at home when a child (or adult) has a fever.

Hydration is Key

Why is hydration important during a fever? Fever can lead to increased fluid loss through sweating and rapid breathing. Ensuring adequate hydration helps replace these lost fluids and supports the body’s efforts to regulate temperature.

What are good hydration options? Water is always a good choice, but other options include:

• Clear broths
• Electrolyte solutions (especially for children)
• Popsicles (which can also provide comfort for sore throats)
• Diluted fruit juices

Rest and Comfort Measures

How can you make someone with a fever more comfortable? Here are some strategies:

• Encourage rest: The body needs energy to fight infection.
• Dress in light, breathable clothing: This helps prevent overheating.
• Keep room temperature comfortable: Not too hot or too cold.
• Use a light blanket: This can provide comfort if chills occur.
• Apply a cool, damp washcloth to the forehead: This can provide relief, especially if the fever is causing discomfort.

Medication Use

When should you use fever-reducing medications? As discussed earlier, medication isn’t always necessary. However, if the fever is causing significant discomfort or is very high, over-the-counter fever reducers can help.

What medications are safe for fever reduction? The most common options are:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – not recommended for infants under 6 months

Always follow the dosing instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about medication use, especially for young children.

What Not to Do

Are there any fever treatments to avoid? Yes, some traditional remedies are not recommended:

• Don’t use alcohol baths or rubs: These can be dangerous and don’t effectively reduce fever.
• Avoid cold baths: These can cause shivering, which can raise body temperature.
• Don’t bundle up too much: This can prevent heat from escaping the body.

Remember, the goal is to make the person comfortable, not to bring the temperature back to normal at all costs.

Fever Prevention: Boosting Overall Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent fevers, especially those caused by infections, there are steps you can take to support overall health and potentially reduce the frequency of fevers.

Hygiene Practices

How can good hygiene help prevent fevers? Many fevers are caused by infectious diseases, which can often be prevented through proper hygiene practices:

• Wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Vaccination

How do vaccines help prevent fevers? Vaccines protect against many diseases that can cause fevers. Staying up-to-date with recommended vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of certain infections and associated fevers.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

What lifestyle factors can support immune health? A strong immune system is better equipped to fight off infections that might cause fevers. To support immune health:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Get regular exercise
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

By implementing these practices, you can support your body’s natural defenses and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of fevers and other illnesses.

Top 5 fever myths and facts

For many parents, fever is one of the most concerning and alarming symptoms a child can have. There are many scary fever myths out there – and it’s time to set the record straight! To many pediatricians, fever is considered a good sign that the body is mounting a response to an infection. Here are my top five fever myths and facts:

Myth #1: Temperatures between 98.7°F and 100°F (37.1°C to 37.8°C) are low-grade fevers.

Fact: These temperatures are actually normal variations and are not fevers. The body’s temperature changes throughout the day and is naturally higher in the afternoon and evening. An actual fever is any temperature of 100.4°F or higher.

Myth #2: Fevers are bad, can cause brain damage or seizures and are dangerous to my child.

Fact: Fevers are a protective mechanism and a sign that the body’s immune system is turned on. Most fevers are good for sick children and help the body fight infection. Fevers do not cause brain damage. As for seizures, the vast majority (96 percent) of children do not have seizures with a fever. About 4 percent of children can have a seizure with a fever – this is called a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures are scary to watch, but they usually stop within five minutes. They do not cause brain damage or have long-term side effects. Children who have had febrile seizures are not at greater risk for developmental delays or learning disabilities.

Myth #3: All fevers need to be treated with fever medicine (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen). After treatment, the fever should go away completely.

Fact: Fevers need to be treated only if the child is uncomfortable. For young children, that usually means fevers over 102°F or 103°F (39°C or 39.4°C). With treatment, fevers usually come down 2°F or 3°F (1.1°C or 1.7°C) but may not go away completely. There is no harm in not treating a fever.

Myth #4: The exact number of the temperature is very important. If the fever is high, the cause is serious.

Fact: How your child looks is what’s important, not the exact temperature. If the fever is high, the cause may or may not be serious. If your child looks very well, the cause is likely to be less serious. One exception is in babies who are less than 3 months of age. They should always be seen by a health care provider right away if they have a fever because their immune systems are not fully developed. If it’s the weekend and your baby spikes a fever, it’s best to call your doctor’s office and take them to an urgent care.

Myth #5: If the fever doesn’t come down (if you can’t “break the fever”), the cause is serious.

Fact: Whether a fever comes down or not, is not related to the seriousness of the infection. The height of the fever and how long it lasts does not tell us whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria. What matters most is how your child looks.

When Fevers Get Dangerous | iCare

Having a fever doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to visit a doctor. In fact, a fever can be a good sign because it shows that your body is fighting an illness or infection. A low-grade fever is an essential part of the immune response, and you will often feel better in a few days.

Why Does Fever Occur?

A fever isn’t an illness – it is a symptom of another health condition. Usually, the body develops a fever in response to an infection that is occurring. The illness or disease is detected, then the immune system kicks into gear to fight the virus or bacteria. This response stimulates the body’s defenses, sending out the white blood cells that are needed for protection. Fever can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Flu
• Common cold
• Heatstroke
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Sinus infection
• Internal infection
• Skin infection
• Bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Blood clots
• Appendicitis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cancer
• Hormone disorders
• Illegal drugs

Sometimes, fever is a temporary response to a specific cause. For example, young children often have a fever when teething or for a day or two after immunizations.

How Body Temperature Works

The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees F, but it is normal for the temperature to range between 97.7 degrees F and 99.5 degrees F throughout the day. For example, it is common for the body temperature to be higher in the evening compared to the morning. If the temperature goes above 99.5 degrees F, then it is considered a fever in both adults and children.

The body has built-in systems to maintain normal body temperature. Several organs affect temperature regulation, including the skin, brain, muscles, and blood vessels. If the body needs to cool down, then a few responses might occur:

• Sweat production increases to cool the skin
• Blood is moved closer to, or away from, the surface of the skin
• You feel the urge to move to a cooler environment
• Water in the body is retained or released through the sweat glands and urinary system

A fever is not the only factor that can increase body temperature. Heavy clothing, physical exertion, strong emotions, high heat and humidity, menstruation, and certain medications can increase body temperature. When you are taking a person’s temperature, check to ensure these other factors aren’t influencing the thermometer reading. For example, if a child has been running around, have them sit still for 20 minutes before using the thermometer to ensure you are getting an accurate reading.

Tips for Lowering a Fever

Just because a person has a mild fever, doesn’t mean that you need to be proactive in lowering the fever. Often, the best solution is to let the fever run its course by resting at home and staying hydrated. If you notice that the fever is increasing in severity, then these are a few things that can be done at home to see if the fever can be managed without medical treatment:

• Take a lukewarm bath (not cold water)
• Place a cool washcloth on the forehead
• Use over-the-counter acetaminophen, according to dosage directions on the package. Choose children’s brand medication for young members of your family.
• Adjust the thermostat in the house
• Remove blankets and heavy clothing
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially drinks with electrolytes to counteract the minerals lost through sweating

Even though ice baths and alcohol rubs are sometimes recommended as DIY fever treatments, these at-home methods should be avoided. Ice and alcohol rubs cause the body to shiver, which increases the internal temperature even more.

The main benefit of lowering a fever is to help the person be more comfortable, especially when they are trying to sleep at night. Additionally, body temperature regulation is essential to avoid potentially dangerous side-effects, such as seizures.

When is a Fever Dangerous?

A mild fever isn’t considered dangerous. If you or a family member has a low-grade fever with other common illness symptoms, then a few days of rest and healing at home might be just what the doctor ordered. But how do you know when it is time to seek medical attention? If the fever escalates, then it could potentially become dangerous.

These are a few signs that indicate you should seek medical attention immediately. Talk to the doctor if the fever is accompanied by:

• Bruising
• Rashes
• Difficulty breathing

Other signs that you need medical attention might include:

• You’ve recently received one or more vaccinations
• You visited another country recently
• You have a serious pre-existing condition
• A child seems confused or delirious
• A child won’t stop crying
• The person has a weakened immune system or other medical complications

Fevers in Children vs. Adults

One determining factor regarding whether medical care is needed is based on the severity of the fever and the age of the person. You should talk to a doctor when these criteria are met:

• 0 – 3 Months Old: The child has a rectal temperature at or above 100. 4 degrees F
• 3 – 12 Months Old: An oral temperature reading is at or above 102.2 degrees F
• 2 Years Old – Teenage Years: If the child’s fever lasts more than 24 – 48 hours
• Adults: If the fever is above 103 degrees F and lasts more than 48 hours. Any time an adult fever reaches 105 or more, talk to a doctor right away.

Medical Treatment for Fever

Since a fever is a symptom of an underlying condition, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis to determine the best treatment plan. For example, antibiotics might be recommended for a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or strep throat.

If you need medical care right away, then visiting an Urgent Care might be the most effective solution. At our clinic, you don’t have to schedule an appointment or wait for an opening. Walk-ins are welcome! Your entire family has access to fast treatment for a variety of injuries and illnesses.

Visit us anytime to access high-quality services from our board-certified medical team. We provide both urgent care services and emergency treatments. Call iCare ER and Urgent Care if you have questions about available services, or if you would like to schedule an appointment.: (214) 407-8668.

Treat High Fever in Children and Adults

The Urgency Room – High Fever in adults/children

The Urgency Room is your comprehensive one-stop location for your emergency care needs. Our standalone facilities are expertly outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment to handle the variety of aches, pains, breaks and illnesses that come through our doors every day.

We’re open 365 days a year from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, even holidays, to be your convenient choice for emergency care. Our three locations are situated in Eagan, Woodbury and Vadnais Heights. You can always keep up to date with your nearest location’s waiting time on our website through your computer, tablet or smartphone.

If you or your child has a high fever, don’t hesitate seeking care. Don’t drudge through hours of waiting at your typical emergency room. Instead, have your high fevers treated at your nearest Urgency Room. With short waiting times, friendly staff and highly experienced physicians, you’ll be back to yourself in no time.

High fever in adults

Most adults have a baseline temperature of 98.6 F. When an adult sustains a temperature higher than that for an unusually long period of time, it could be cause for concern and you should consider seeking emergency care at The Urgency Room.

Fevers are a complex illness and can stem from many different types of illnesses or infections. The physicians at The Urgency Room, however, can accurately assess and diagnose the source of your high fever. Fevers occur when the hypothalamus, your body’s “thermostat,” increases your body’s temperature because of fever-producing substances called pyrogens.

When pyrogens are released into your blood, you could wind up with a dangerously high fever. Pyrogens could come from: bacteria, drugs, toxins, viruses and fungi. The severity of a fever and its detrimental results increase the higher your temperature and the longer it persists—which is why getting a high fever treated sooner is always your best option. 

Low fever: 100 F – 101 F

Intermediate fever: 102 F

High fever: 103 F – 104 F

Once a fever goes beyond the high level, an adult enters dangerous fever levels (104 F – 107 F). Once a fever reaches the dangerous level, also known as hyperpyrexia, it is a medical emergency and you should seek medical care immediately.

It is difficult to pinpoint the source of a fever as there are an incredible number diseases and illnesses that have high temperatures as a side effect or symptom. And while fevers most frequently accompany a viral illness, our physicians will try and get down to the exact source. 

High fever in children

The severity and damage a fever can cause vary by the age of the child. Younger children and infants should be seen by a physician sooner than an adult or teenager would with a similar temperature.

In addition to high or rising temperatures that last longer than 24 hours, a child with a high fever could have other obvious symptoms. Be on the lookout for severe diarrhea, dehydration, repeated vomiting, seizures or rash. Your child is especially susceptible to serious infections if they have any type of immune disorder or haven’t received immunizations.

When minutes matter, especially if your child has a high fever, get to your nearest Urgency Room—we have shorter wait times and state-of-the-art equipment to treat your illness.        

When is it time to seek urgent care?

As listed above, the duration one with a high fever should wait to seek medical treatment varies depending on age. An infant should be seen right away even if it has temperatures constituting a low fever in adults. Similarly, an adult can wait until the fever persists for a day or two while a child, depending on its age, should be seen as soon as they’ve had a fever of any temperature for longer than 24 hours.

You may try fever-reducing medicines (ones containing acetaminophen) before seeking urgent care, however, call a physician before having a child take a child-formula of this type of medicine. Don’t give your child aspirin.

How can The Urgency Room treat high fevers in adults and children?

The Urgency Room in Eagan, Vadnais Heights or Woodbury are well-equipped to take care of you or your child when experiencing a high fever. Prolonged fever or dangerously high fevers can cause an onslaught of residual health problems, so it is always best to seek care than ignore the problem.

All three Urgency Room locations are equipped with physicians who have extensive emergency room experience as well as equipment to assess, diagnose and treat your illnesses, injuries and more.

Our Urgency Rooms include:

–       X-ray machines

–       CT scanner

–       Ultrasound

–       High-complexity lab

–       Sedation for adults and children

And once you leave our facilities, The Urgency Room has a large library of at-home aftercare videos for you to reference even after you’ve left our in-person care. Before, during and after illness, The Urgency Room has your well-being as our first priority.

If you’re in need of emergency care in the Twin Cities, look no further than The Urgency Room and avoid the crowds and long waits with your typical emergency room. Our facilities are owned and operated by members of the Emergency Physicians Professional Association, our board-certified physicians are here for you when you need medical care the most. We’ll always provide you with exceptional emergency care closer to home.

High Fever – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Your immune system raises your body’s temperature to eliminate certain infections or to impede the growth of microorganisms that cause disease (most bacteria affecting humans flourish in normal or near normal body temperatures). While it is a natural immune response and can kill infection, high fever can be uncomfortable. Fever symptoms worsen when the body is unable to rid the body of the extra heat. Treatments are aimed at reversing the fever and helping lower the body temperature.

The most common causes of high fever are infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and infections of the urinary tract. In rare cases, fevers can occur without any infection as a result of arthritis, lupus, or certain gastrointestinal and vascular disorders.

Infectious causes of high fever

High fever may be caused by infections or inflammation including:

• Appendicitis

• Cellulitis (infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin)

• Encephalitis (infection or inflammation of the brain)

• Meningitis (infection or inflammation of the sac around the brain and spinal cord)

• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)

• Pneumonia

• Respiratory infection

• Urinary tract infection

Noninfectious causes of high fever

High fever can also be caused by noninfectious conditions including:

Serious or life-threatening causes of high fever

In some cases, high fever may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:

Questions for diagnosing the cause of high fever

In order to diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your high fever including:

• How long have you had a fever?

• What other symptoms have you had?

• How high has your fever been?

• Are you taking any medications?

• Have you been exposed to anyone who is sick?

• Where do you feel your symptoms?

• Does anything make you feel better or worse?

What are the potential complications of high fever?

The complications of high fever depend largely on how high the fever rises, the fever’s duration, and its underlying cause. In adults, a fever of 105 degrees Fahrenheit, while high, may produce no complications, while a child with a fever that high could be at risk of serious and even life-threatening complications. In most cases when fever results from infection, complications from the cause of the infection are likely to be worse than complications from the fever itself.

Since your high fever may be due to a serious illness, it is vital to seek prompt medical attention to treat the underlying condition responsible for the fever. Once the underlying cause of your fever is diagnosed, it is very important to closely follow the treatment plan you and your doctor design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:

• Amputation

• Brain damage

• Organ failure

• Permanent disability

• Seizures

• Spread of infection

The Dangers of a High Fever for Your Child: LaSante Health Center: Multi-Specialty Health Clinic

The average child will get sick upwards of 12 times in their first year of daycare. While these are normally common colds, children can also experience fevers, pink eye, and stomach bugs.

If your child is starting to display fever symptoms, you may begin to worry. And this is completely normal!

Although fevers are usually nothing serious, they can be dangerous in certain circumstances.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to learn about fevers, including what causes them and when you should call the doctor.

What Causes a Fever?

When your child feels warm to the touch, you’ll probably wonder how they got a fever in the first place. While there are several ways your child could have gotten sick, below are the three most common causes.

Infections

Infections are, by far, the most common cause of fever in both children and adults. A fever is your body’s natural response to fight off this infection.

Colds and gastroenteritis are the most common infections that can result in a fever, although ear, lung, bladder, kidney, throat, and skin infections can also be to blame.

Most kids and adults will become infected after touching an infected surface, such as a doorknob or a toy, or after being sneezed or coughed on by an infected person.

Vaccines

Vaccines are vital to protect against serious diseases. However, it is common for a child to experience a low-grade fever after being vaccinated.

This will usually appear within the first 24 hours after getting immunized and will only last 1-2 days. While fevers due to vaccines are usually low-grade, some children may experience a high-grade fever.

Heat Illness

While children (and adults) of all ages can experience heat illness, infants and newborns are at a higher risk because they can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults and older children can.

If your infant or child was over bundled or exposed to a hot environment for too long, they could develop heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. In fact, 36 children die every year due to heat-related illnesses from being trapped in a hot car.

Those suffering from heat stroke will have a high-grade fever, while some suffering from heat exhaustion will have a low-grade fever. However, many children with heat exhaustion will not show a fever at all.

Dangers Associated with High Fevers

Most of the time, fever comes and goes without any additional problems. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t anything to worry about. Below are some dangers associated with high fevers.

Seizures

Young children, usually between 6 months and 5 years old, may experience a fever-induced seizure. They will typically lose consciousness and start shaking.

If your child starts seizing, be sure to lay them on the floor either on their side or stomach. Remove any sharp objects near your child and hold them to prevent injury.

While most seizures will stop on their own within a few minutes and cause no lasting damage, it’s still important to call your doctor right away. If seizing lasts more than 5 minutes, call 911.

Life-Threatening Infection

As mentioned above, infection is the most common cause of a fever. Most of the time, the body is able to fight this off on its own.

Although rare, a common infection could potentially be life-threatening, especially in infants 3 months or younger.

When to See a Doctor

So, how can you tell if your child’s fever will pass quickly or if it could turn dangerous? Well, it can be hard to tell. But if your child is experiencing any of the symptoms below, it’s best to call your pediatrician or doctor right away.

They Have a High Fever

High-grade fevers can be more dangerous than low-grade fevers. But what constitutes as a high-grade fever is based off age.

For infants 3 months and younger, a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit can be potentially life-threatening, so be sure to see the doctor as soon as possible.

For those 3 months and older, a high-grade fever is considered 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Their Fever Is Long-Lasting

Many fevers, especially those due to vaccines, are gone within a couple of days. However, if your child’s fever persists for 3 days or more, you shouldn’t wait any longer before calling a doctor.

They Have Other Symptoms Too

Fevers aren’t usually the only symptom your child has when they’re sick. They may also experience fatigue, a sore throat, and vomiting. If these symptoms persist for 3 days with or without a fever, you should consider calling the doctor.

More serious symptoms can also appear, such as:

• Seizure
• Rash
• Stiff neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe stomachache, earache, or headache
• Repeatedly vomiting or inability to keep liquids down
• Not urinating
• Appearing listless or making poor eye contact
• Difficulty waking up
• Inconsolable or constant crying

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician or doctor immediately.

They Have a Weakened Immune System

While most children can fight off an infection like the common cold, others cannot. If your child has a weakened immune system or any other medical problem, don’t hesitate to call your doctor at the first sign of illness.

You Have Any Questions

As we’ve discussed above, there are some serious dangers associated with fevers. So, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health, be sure to call your doctor.

This is especially true if you are a new parent dealing with a fever for the first time. Your doctor can give you valuable advice on how you can help your child get better quickly.

If your older child is sick and you have an infant or immunocompromised child in the house, you may also want to ask your doctor how you can prevent the infection from spreading to your other child or what early signs to look out for in the event they do get sick.

Your Fever Symptoms Guide

While most fevers are harmless, some can become dangerous. Follow the guide above to learn about fever symptoms and the potential dangers associated with them.

Are you worried about your child’s fever? Then contact us today to make an appointment with a trusted and experienced pediatrician in Brooklyn, New York.

Fever and Your Baby – HealthyChildren.org

​​​​​When your baby has a
fever, especially if it’s their first one, it can be alarming. Keep in mind that fever, which is
sign or symptom of illness, is usually a good sign that the body is fighting off an infection. But it’s important to figure out the cause of your baby’s fever so it can be treated, and to help keep your child
hydrated and comfortable.

What’s considered a fever?

A child’s normal temperature can vary, depending on age and activity level. Time of day can also affect the reading. Body temperature is highest in the late afternoon and early evening, for example, and lowest at night and early morning. Plus, infants tend to have higher temperatures than older children. Generally, these are considered true fevers:

How do I know if my baby has a fever?

Whenever you think your child has a fever, take their temperature with a
thermometer. Feeling their forehead or other parts of the body is not accurate, especially if your baby is having chills. Using temperature sensitive tape or “fever strips” also is not reliable. Avoid using an ear thermometer for babies under 6 months old, since their ear canals are too small to allow an accurate reading.

Causes of fever in babies

Fever in babies can develop with illnesses such as:

The most serious conditions that can cause fever are infections blood (sepsis) and the brain and spinal cord (meningitis​).

Fever in newborns

Infants younger than two months old​ who have a fever need immediate medical attention, even if they appear well and show no other signs of being ill. The challenge is to find the cause of the fever quickly while avoiding putting the baby through unnecessary tests or hospitalizations. 

About 10% of young infants with fever are found to have urinary tract infections. The rate is even higher in uncircumcised boys. That’s why having a urine sample checked is important. However, young infants can have more serious underlying infections that can rapidly progress. If your newborn develops a fever, contact your health care provider, without delay, and discuss steps needed to evaluate and treat your baby.

Febrile convulsions

In children between 6 months old and five years of age, fever can trigger seizures. These are called
febrile convulsions. A child may get an odd look on their face for a few moments, then stiffen or twitch, roll their eyes, and become unresponsive for a short time. Febrile convulsions typically last less than a minute—or even just a few seconds–though it can seem forever to a frightened parent. Thankfully, febrile convulsions are not common and almost always are harmless, causing no lasting damage to the brain or nervous system. However, if your baby has a febrile convulsion, be sure to tell your pediatrician promptly.

Raised body temperature from heatstroke

Fever should not be confused with
heat-related illness, or
heatstroke. This is not caused by infection. Instead, this dangerous condition is caused by surrounding
heat in their environment and dehydration. With heatstroke, body temperature can rise to dangerous levels (above 105 degrees Fahrenheit [40.5 degrees Celsius]). Dozens of children die each year when left unattended in closed,
overheated cars, for example. Never leave your baby alone in closed car, even for a few minutes. Babies can also develop heatstroke if
overdressed in hot, humid weather.

If you think your child has heatstroke,
call 911 or go to the emergency department right away.

Does teething cause fever?

Teething, which often starts at about 6 months of age, can cause a slight rise in your baby’s body temperature within the normal range. However, research shows teething does not cause a true fever. 

More inform​ation

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Dengue Fever (for Teens) – Nemours Kidshealth

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue (pronounced: DEN-gee) fever is an infectious disease. It can cause high fevers, headaches, rashes, and pain throughout the body. Although dengue fever can be very painful, it’s not usually fatal. Most people who get it start feeling better after several days and recover fully in a couple of weeks.

Dengue fever is common in tropical and subtropical climates. It’s a big problem in some countries in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Dengue fever is rare in the United States, seen only in people who become infected in another country and then travel or immigrate to the U.S.

How Do People Get Dengue Fever?

When a mosquito bites a person who has dengue fever, the mosquito becomes infected with the virus that causes the disease. It can then spread the virus to other people by biting them.

Dengue fever is not contagious, so it can’t spread directly from person to person. Since different viruses can cause dengue fever, someone can get the disease more than once.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever used to be called “breakbone fever,” which might give you an idea of the severe bone and muscle pain it sometimes can cause. The fever isn’t actually breaking any bones, but it can sometimes feel like it is.

Symptoms of dengue fever usually appear 4 to 14 days after someone has been infected. Some people infected with the virus won’t have any symptoms. Others will have symptoms for 2 to 7 days before getting better.

A person with dengue fever may notice:

• high fever
• pain behind the eyes and in the joints, muscles, and/or bones
• severe headache
• rash
• bleeding from the nose or gums
• bruising easily

Some people can get a more serious form of the infection called dengue hemorrhagic fever. They’ll have the regular symptoms of dengue fever for 2 to 7 days. After the fever goes down, they may notice these additional symptoms:

• nausea and vomiting
• severe abdominal pain
• difficulty breathing
• severe bleeding

If dengue hemorrhagic fever is not treated right away, a person can have heavy bleeding and a drop in blood pressure, and could even die. People with dengue hemorrhagic fever need to be treated in a medical facility immediately.

When Should I Call a Doctor?

If you think you might have dengue fever, call a doctor right away. You also should call a doctor if you develop symptoms of the infection after going to a region that has dengue fever.

A doctor (or nurse practitioner) will examine you. He or she will ask you questions about how you’re feeling, your medical history, and recent travels. Your doctor might want you to give a blood sample to test for the disease.

If you’ve been diagnosed with dengue, call your doctor or get to a hospital emergency room right away if your symptoms get worse or if new symptoms appear, especially in the day or two after the fever goes down.

How Is Dengue Fever Treated?

For mild cases, doctors usually recommend drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, getting lots of rest, and taking acetaminophen to relieve the fever and pain. People with dengue shouldn’t take medicines with aspirin or ibuprofen, which can make bleeding more likely.

Most cases of dengue fever will go away within a couple of weeks and won’t cause any long-term problems. But dengue hemorrhagic fever requires treatment in a hospital with intravenous (IV) fluids and close monitoring. That’s why it’s really important to call a doctor or go to the ER if symptoms are severe or get worse in the first day or two after the fever goes away. (That’s when dengue hemorrhagic fever is most likely to develop.)

How Can I Prevent Dengue Fever?

You can help keep yourself free of dengue fever by avoiding mosquito bites. If you live in or will be visiting an area where there’s dengue fever:

• Use screens on doors and windows. Repair broken or damaged screens quickly. Keep unscreened doors and windows shut.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when you go outside.
• Use mosquito netting over your bed at night.
• Use an insect repellent as directed. Choose one with DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Limit the amount of time you spend outside during the day, especially in the hours around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Don’t give mosquitoes places to breed. They lay their eggs in water. So get rid of standing water in things like wading pools and gutters. Change the water in birdbaths, dog bowls, and flower vases every few days.

There is no vaccine against dengue fever yet. Because the infection is common in tropical and subtropical areas, take precautions when visiting those regions.

90,000 Scientist who discovered Ebola said about the danger of a new deadly disease :: Society :: RBC

It has already been called “Disease X”, it was diagnosed in a woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tests show no Ebola virus or other known diseases while showing symptoms of hemorrhagic fever

Photo: Baz Ratner / Reuters

Congolese microbiologist Jean-Jacques Muembe-Tamphum, who first discovered the Ebola virus in 1976, warned that a deadly new disease could emerge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Reported by CNN.

According to him, one of the patients from the town of Ingende in the west of the country had signs of hemorrhagic fever. The woman was tested and sent for research at the National Institute for Biomedicine Research in Kinshasa. They did not show the presence of the Ebola patient and traces of any other diseases known to medicine.

Muembe-Tamfum suggests that a woman may be patient zero for a new, previously undetected pathogen, which he calls “Disease X”.According to the African scientist, the new disease can be as contagious as COVID-19, and its mortality can be 50-90% of deaths from the Ebola virus (on average, half of the patients die from the fever caused by this virus).

WHO records Ebola outbreak in Central Africa

Now the woman, who was diagnosed with an unknown pathogen, is isolated, she is allowed to communicate with relatives only through a plastic window. The patient’s identity is kept secret so as not to expose her and her loved ones to danger from local residents who are afraid of contracting the Ebola virus.

Lassa fever, for which there is no vaccine, is spreading throughout Nigeria

• Dr. Charlie Weller
• Wellcome Trust

March 6, 2018

Photo author, Alamy

Photo caption,

Lassa virus

From the beginning Nigeria is gripped by an outbreak of Lassa fever.This potentially fatal disease can cause epidemics, and there is currently no vaccine available against it.

Lassa fever is not a new disease, but the current outbreak is unprecedented in scale and speed of spread.

Medical staff are working to the limit, some of them themselves have become infected and become victims of the disease.

Lassa fever is an acute and sometimes severe viral hemorrhagic disease that can affect various organs and destroy blood vessels.

In most of those infected, the disease is mild – fever, headache, general weakness – or no symptoms at all.

But in acute cases, the course of the disease can be similar to Ebola – another dangerous hemorrhagic fever – with bleeding from the nose, mouth and other parts of the body.

According to statistics, death occurs in about 1% of cases. However, with the current outbreak in Nigeria, the death rate is as high as 20% in confirmed and suspected infections, according to the National Center for Infectious Disease Control.90,003 90,030 Since January, more than 1,000 suspected cases of Lassa fever have been reported in Nigeria, of which 317 have been confirmed.

According to rough estimates, the virus took about 90 lives, but in reality this number may be higher, since the disease is difficult to diagnose. In its early stages, it is almost indistinguishable from malaria and dengue.

For women who become infected late in pregnancy, the probability of losing a child or dying on their own is 80%.

Since there is no specific test for this virus, the only way to detect it is by examining a blood or tissue sample in one of the few specialized laboratories.

The disease was first discovered in 1969 in the Nigerian city of Lassa, after an outbreak of the disease occurred in a local hospital.

The virus has since been found in other countries in West Africa, including Ghana, Mali and Sierra Leone.

But the current outbreak is of particular concern, as the number of illnesses for this time of year is unprecedented.

Sanitary services are trying to establish what caused the epidemic.

Photo author, Science Photo Library

Photo caption,

Carriers of the Lassa virus are multi-nippled mastomis rats

The appearance of outbreaks can be influenced by seasonal changes in weather conditions, which affects the number of natural “hosts” of the virus – mastomis or Natal mice (Mastomys natalensis) – local rodents, combining traits of both mice and rats.

These small mammals are widespread in West Africa and can easily enter living quarters.

It is also possible that more diseases became known due to the increased awareness of the society. Or the virus itself has undergone some changes.

Most of the patients contracted the infection through food contaminated with mouse secretions – feces, urine or saliva, eating them or simply bringing them home.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Due to the threat of the spread of infection, officials banned the popular in Nigeria harry grits, which is the basis for many national dishes

The infection can also be transmitted from person to person – by airborne droplets, therefore physicians working without protective equipment and family members of patients are especially at risk.

Lassa’s incubation period lasts up to three weeks.

Researchers are trying to understand whether Lassa, like Ebola, can remain in the body and be sexually transmitted over time – after the disease has receded.

Nigeria has a strong healthcare system with proven methods to cope with such epidemics.

The Nigerian authorities are working in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to coordinate protective measures. The British authorities dispatched a team of medical experts from the operational support team to the affected areas.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow basic precautions: plug the gaps through which mice can enter the house, close trash cans, and store food and water in tightly sealed containers.

Those caring for the sick are advised to wear protective gloves and to practice safe burial practices.

However, despite all the measures taken, the fight against the Lassa virus – as well as against other infectious diseases – is significantly complicated by the lack of medicines, including diagnostic materials, drugs and vaccines.

The Lassa fever vaccine is likely to be developed shortly to avoid the threat of a worldwide spread of the epidemic. But, as in the case of other infectious diseases, affecting mainly poor countries, this process is noticeably stalled.

Vaccine development is a long, complex and expensive process. Especially when it comes to emerging epidemic diseases, in which case a vaccine prototype can only be tested during an outbreak.

In 2017, a new international initiative emerged – the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). With financial support from the Wellcome Trust, governments around the world, and Bill and Melinda Gates, the organization seeks to accelerate the development of vaccines, including those against the causative agent of Lassa fever.

The organization hopes that within five years it will be able to develop and prepare one or more vaccines for widespread testing.

Photo author, EPA

Photo caption,

In 2014-1015, Ebola claimed more than 11,000 lives in West Africa

WHO has compiled a list of other serious and often poorly understood diseases that have the potential to cause outbreaks. Among them are Middle East Coronavirus Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Nipah virus, Rift Valley virus, and of course Ebola.

The organization plans to conduct research and fill knowledge gaps about these diseases. But research alone isn’t enough.

The countries most affected by epidemics need stronger health systems, including quality medical equipment and training for medical personnel.

In addition, community outreach is needed to educate people to understand how to detect outbreaks early and prevent their spread.

About This Story

This Story The BBC asked for an expert from a third party to be trained.

Dr. Charlie Weller is the head of vaccines at the Wellcome Trust, which positions itself as an international healthcare charity.

First case of fatal Marburg fever confirmed in Guinea

https://ria.ru/20210809/likhoradka-1745123324. html

First case of fatal fever Marburg confirmed in Guinea

In Guinea, first case of fatal fever Marburg confirmed – RI News, 10.08.2021

The first case of fatal Marburg fever was confirmed in Guinea

The Guinean authorities confirmed on Monday the first case of Marburg hemorrhagic fever in the country, a group of experts from the World Organization is already working on the spot … RIA Novosti, 08/10/2021

2021-08-09T23 : 24

2021-08-09T23: 24

2021-08-10T02: 16

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ZHENEVA, Aug 9 – RIA Novosti, Elizaveta. Guinean authorities confirmed on Monday the first case of Marburg hemorrhagic fever in the country, a group of experts from the World Health Organization is already working on the site, neighboring states have been warned, according to a WHO statement released on Monday. fever of Marburg.The samples were examined in two laboratories and additionally sent to the Pasteur Institute in Senegal, where the disease was confirmed. As noted, a case of fever was identified in the province of Guekudu, where Ebola haemorrhagic fever was first identified several years ago. This is the first case of Marburg fever in West Africa. The sick patient has passed away. WHO indicates that Marburg fever belongs to the same family of viruses that lead to Ebola infection. the same way, “- said the WHO Regional Director for the African Region Matshidiso Moeti.WHO has sent 10 experts to Guinea to help the country’s authorities investigate the incident and identify all possible contacts of the sick person, as well as assess possible risks and mobilize forces for further response. There are currently no vaccines or medicines that would treat the Marburg hemorrhagic fever virus. Prior to this, outbreaks and isolated cases of the virus in Africa had been identified in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda.

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in the world, guinea, carriage

23:24 08/09/2021 (updated: 02:16 08/10/2021)

The first case of fatal Marburg fever was confirmed in Guinea

GENEVA, Aug 9 – RIA Novosti, Elizaveta Isakova. Authorities in Guinea confirmed on Monday the first case of Marburg haemorrhagic fever in the country, a group of experts from the World Health Organization is already working on the site, neighboring states have been warned, according to a WHO statement released on Monday. hemorrhagic fever of Marburg. The samples were examined in two laboratories and additionally sent to the Pasteur Institute in Senegal, where the disease was confirmed.As noted, a case of fever was identified in the province of Guekudu, where Ebola hemorrhagic fever was first identified several years ago. This is the first case of Marburg fever in West Africa. The sick patient died.

WHO indicates that Marburg fever belongs to the same family of viruses that cause Ebola infection.

January 3, 18:25

Virologist evaluates evidence of a deadly new disease in Congo

“We are working with public health officials for a rapid response that builds on Guinea’s previous experience and expertise in combating Ebola, which is transmitted in the same way.” , – the WHO Regional Director for the African Region Matshidiso Moeti commented on the situation.

WHO has sent 10 experts to Guinea to help the country’s authorities investigate the incident and identify all possible contacts of the sick person, as well as assess possible risks and mobilize forces for a further response.

“Border surveillance has also been strengthened to quickly identify any cases, neighboring countries have been warned,” the WHO noted.

There is currently no vaccine or medication to treat Marburg haemorrhagic fever virus.

Prior to this, outbreaks and isolated cases of the virus in Africa were identified in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. 31 March 08:00 Science The strongest survived. What 90,000 deadly epidemics have turned man into New deadly fever in India made Russians scared of mosquitoes

Undersecretary of State for Health Amit Mohan Prasad told the media that the unknown Indian fever may be the already familiar Dengue fever.This is not yet certain, as the epidemiological investigation has not been completed.

The symptoms are really similar to Dengue – a sharp rise in temperature, dehydration, a sharp decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. True, some moments are confusing. Dengue fever usually causes deaths only if a person contracted it for the fourth time (the same effect of antibody-dependent intensification of the infection is triggered, which has been long and, fortunately, unsuccessfully sought in the new coronavirus). Since there are many children among the victims of the Indian fever, it seems doubtful that they have encountered this virus for the fourth time.

Dengue fever virus is carried by mosquitoes, and for them now in the state of Uttar Pradesh excellent conditions have formed – hot and humid. Of course, such mosquitoes, if desired, can survive in Russia, however, as already stated in Rospotrebnadzor, there is no risk of a new fever getting to us.

First, India is far away. Secondly, in Russia, all water bodies are regularly treated – first of all, in order to prevent the spread of mosquitoes, which carry with their bites another dangerous infection – malaria.Its outbreaks sometimes happen in our country, although our country is not included in the list of endemic ones for either malaria or Dengue fever (this list includes Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Angola, other countries in Asia and Africa). However, in the absence of urgent, highly effective treatment for malaria, serious complications and deaths are possible.

As the well-known infectious disease specialist Nikolai Malyshev told MK, mosquitoes carrying tropical infections get to Russia, although rarely, mosquitoes carrying tropical infections get to Russia: “I remember this was even before the Olympics in Sochi – interesting mosquitoes appeared, which, as was suspected, could transmit tropical malaria . ..True, then everything worked out. And a few years ago we had “airport malaria”: border guards in the Moscow region became infected. For a long time they could not understand where we got tropical malaria. After this incident, flights began to be processed. And if we turn to history, then in the 30s of the last century, malaria did not subside near Moscow due to the active construction of reservoirs ”.

Mosquitoes can carry a lot of other unpleasant things. For example, West Nile . Just the other day, “MK” wrote about cases of strange deaths of birds, in which experts suspect the symptoms of this particular fever.In 2010, her outbreak was in the Saratov region, including among people.

Recently, representatives of Rospotrebnadzor officially announced that mosquitoes, carriers of WNV, may appear in Russia in the fall. The reason for this is the abundance of precipitation, as well as the predicted warm and prolonged autumn – everything, as such blood-sucking people love. Symptoms of West Nile Fever are fever, severe headache, muscle aches. In severe cases, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis can develop.

“We are seeing a dramatic increase in cases of West Nile Fever, with a mortality rate of 10% – as with smallpox. In Texas, a state of emergency was even declared a few years ago due to an outbreak of WNV. The virus is African, most likely, it was brought to the United States in the holds of ships along with mosquitoes, ”says Dmitry Lvov, Russian virologist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Of the known infections carried by mosquitoes in recent years, the Zika virus can be named, but such mosquitoes, fortunately, did not reach Russia.All cases of the disease in European countries and in Russia are imported. The fact is that in our climatic conditions mosquitoes of the genus Aedes do not live, which carry this virus, and the disease is not transmitted in another way. The World Health Organization recognized the Zika virus as a global threat in February 2016. There is still no vaccine or drugs against Zika virus . However, this disease poses a danger exclusively to pregnant women, because it increases the risk of having children with brain pathologies.

Recently, says Dr. Malyshev, we are increasingly seeing infections that are not very typical for us: “Insects can carry the eggs of worms. And it happens that mosquitoes with bites also transmit parasites – dirofilaria. A very dangerous disease develops – dirofillariosis , which affects both dogs and people. ”

Parasitologists do not hide: they do not even have any ideas about the prospects for diagnostics and treatment of this disease, transmitted by ordinary mosquitoes.Previously, it was believed that a person can become only a random host of this parasite (it was found mainly in dogs, to whom it was transmitted from mosquitoes). Now it’s obvious that mosquitoes don’t care who they bite. Even a dog, even a man. And these mosquitoes are the most common. Living, including in Moscow and the Moscow region.

A few years ago, infectious disease specialists drew up a map of the Moscow region regions with the most dangerous blood-sucking regions (where the Naro-Fominsk, Shatursky, Volokolamsky regions fell), but now it became obvious that such a bloodsucker can be stung anywhere – even in Moscow itself.There is a known case when, for example, dirofilaria was found on a 76-year-old Muscovite who had not traveled anywhere. The situation with the treatment of dirofilariasis is no less depressing. The standard and popular antiparasitic agents that we sell do not work on them in most cases. Parasites can live for years under the skin, in the eyelids of the eyes, in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and genitals.

In addition, in our area mosquitoes carry tularemia – an acute bacterial infection.It causes conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes. Most often, people become infected during recreation, fishing, when traveling to summer cottages in the territories of Moscow (Ruzsky, Sergiev Posad districts), Nizhny Novgorod regions and Chuvashia, unfavorable for tularemia. The main route of transmission of tularemia (90%) is transmissible, with bites by blood-sucking insects (mosquitoes, horseflies).

According to Nikolai Malyshev, Japanese mosquito encephalitis was isolated in the Far East, which can cause a deep cerebral coma, from which people, if they leave, are deeply disabled

“We must remember that mosquitoes carry a lot of unpleasant and terrible infections.The only way to prevent infection is to avoid being attacked by mosquitoes. Therefore, you need to take care of preventive measures, especially in exotic countries – use repellents, nets on the windows. Do not open windows in hotels, if they are not equipped with mosquito nets, use an air conditioner. And, of course, if you feel unwell, immediately consult a doctor, ”says Nikolai Malyshev.

Rospotrebnadzor checks data on a new fatal disease in the Congo

One of the local residents had symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, but tests for known diseases were negative. WHO has already put the infection on the list of “priority for study”. But scientists interviewed by Business FM believe that it is too early to worry

Photo: Reuters

Rospotrebnadzor is studying all sources and publications about the new deadly “disease X” in Congo. Microbiologist Jean-Jacques Muembe-Tamfum, who was one of the first to detect the Ebola virus 45 years ago, previously spoke about it in a commentary for CNN.

According to the scientist, one of the patients in Congo had symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, but tests for Ebola and other known diseases were negative.As Rospotrebnadzor told Interfax, all that can be assumed so far about the new disease is that it has a viral nature. The agency monitors all reports of outbreaks of infections. At the same time, there have not yet been cases in Russia with symptoms of a new disease.

According to the head of the laboratory of molecular bioengineering at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Konstantin Miroshnikov, it is too early to worry about the spread of “disease X” beyond Africa:

Konstantin Miroshnikov, head of the laboratory of molecular bioengineering at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, RAS

disease X ”can be as contagious as coronavirus, and in mortality it can be compared to Ebola. WHO has already put the infection on the list of “priority for study”. But this is a standard practice and so far it is not worth worrying, I am sure Head of the Laboratory of the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences Konstantin Severinov :

– In Africa, there is a huge number of viruses carried by animals. And these viruses can infect humans. The most famous case is Ebola. Unlike coronavirus, it causes a disease that, as a rule, does not spread very far, because the virus is very deadly – the outbreak fades away on its own, because carriers are so seriously ill that they do not have time to spread it.In this case, there was hemorrhagic fever (and the Ebola virus causes it), but there was no positive test for the presence of the virus. If this kind of situation is repeated, then modern methods allow very quickly, as happened with the coronavirus, to understand what it is.

– Are there any research results? Rospotrebnadzor has already announced that the disease is of a viral nature.

– Because all hemorrhagic fevers are of a viral nature.There is, for example, Crimean hemorrhagic fever, in the Caucasus there is. That is, there are a number of viruses that cause these symptoms. But in order to draw any conclusions, you need to have not an isolated case, but several people with common symptoms in the absence of a diagnosis of Ebola.

The last Ebola outbreak in the Congo was two years ago. Then two thousand people became its victims. An Ebola vaccine is available in Russia. It, like Sputnik V, is developed on the basis of the adenovirus.

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An outbreak of the rare Marburg fever was detected for the first time in western Africa. There is no cure for it, and the mortality rate is up to 90% | Hromadske television

This was announced on Monday, August 9, by the World Health Organization.

The first symptoms of fever were felt on 25 July. On August 1, he went to doctors with complaints of fever, headache, abdominal pain and bleeding from the gums. The man was prescribed antibiotics and rehydration medications, but he died the next day.

At first there was a suspicion that the deceased was sick with Ebola – in Gekedou, where he lived, only in June 2021 the outbreak of this disease ended. But PCR testing and reanalysis revealed that the deceased had a Marburg fever pathogen.

Following this, the Guinean Ministry of Health, together with WHO, leading medical regulators and international organizations, began a search for other possible carriers. The four closest relatives of the deceased were isolated, their health is being monitored.

Nearly 150 more people are at risk who may have come into contact with the deceased and his family, doctor Krutika Krupalli told the BBC, who is helping specialists to investigate the situation in Guinea.

What is known about Marburg fever?

Marburg fever is a rare and highly contagious infectious disease. It is difficult to detect, since at first the symptoms are not much different from other tropical diseases – say, malaria or the same Ebola.

The virus that causes Marburg fever is transmitted by fruit-eating bats and spreads to humans through bodily fluids. Symptoms of the disease include headache and muscle pain, fever, bleeding, vomiting of blood, and so on.

There is currently no cure for Marburg fever. The WHO recommends drinking plenty of water and using medications for specific symptoms. Yet mortality from fever is extremely high, ranging from 24 to 90%.

The disease was first described in 1967 in Germany.The first patients were treated in the city of Marburg, which gave the name to the fever. In total, a little more than a dozen sporadic outbreaks of the disease were recorded in the world, mainly in African countries.

The last outbreak of Marburg fever occurred in 2005 in Angola. Then more than 200 people died from it – this, according to WHO, is the largest number of deaths from this disease at a time.

CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER

Chikungunya Fever is an infectious viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease was first described in East Africa during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. The very name “Chikungunya” in the Makonde language (a people in southern Tanzania) means “twisted in pain” or “bent”. This is due to the fact that this disease is characterized by severe excruciating pain in the joints.

WHO CAUSES THE DISEASE?

Chikungunya Fever is a viral disease. The causative agent is a virus of the genus Alphavirus of the Togaviridae family.This virus belongs to the group of so-called Arboviruses (from the word “ARthropod-BOrn” – “born by arthropods”), i.e. viruses transmitted by insects and ticks.

FROM WHOM CAN IT BE COLLECTED?

Chikungunya Fever is a disease transmitted by mosquito bites. The main vectors of the virus are the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). These species live almost all over the world, especially where it is warm, for example, in Asia, Africa, in Central and South America. In Russia, they also began to meet in the south of the country. Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have white stripes all over their bodies.

CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER.

The main natural foci of the pathogen are located in the subtropical regions of Africa, on the islands of the Indian Ocean and in Indochina. However, the increasing volumes of migration flows lead to the introduction of infection into new regions and, consequently, to the expansion of the area of ​​the disease. This is confirmed by numerous cases of the introduction of the Chikungunya fever virus into the territory of France, Denmark, Norway, the Czech Republic, Italy by persons who have visited regions unfavorable for this disease.In Russia, imported cases of Chikungunya fever from Indonesia, Singapore, India, Reunion Island and the Maldives have been described.

In connection with the intensification of international relations, passenger and traffic flows, the number of such cases may increase. At the same time, health authorities may face not only isolated cases of Chikungunya fever in tourists or migrants, but also with group outbreaks of the disease, as happened in Italy and France.

CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER SYMPTOMS:

The time from the bite of an infected mosquito to the onset of the first symptoms (the so-called incubation period) can be from 3 to 8 days.

The disease begins always acutely, suddenly against the background of a satisfactory state of health. Characterized by a sharp increase in body temperature, often immediately to high numbers (39 ° C and above). Fever is accompanied by chills, severe weakness, loss of appetite, and muscle pain. A characteristic symptom of Chikungunya fever is severe joint pain affecting small joints: wrists, feet, ankles, hands. The joints increase significantly in size, becoming almost immobile, and when trying to move, there is a sharp pain, which slightly decreases at rest.The joints are hot, swollen to the touch, with reddish skin over them. A characteristic feature of fever is the so-called migratory polyarthritis – articular changes pass from one limb to another, and the previous lesion disappears on its own.

Patients often also complain of abdominal pain, loose stools, nausea, and rarely vomiting. On the skin of the upper half of the body, upper and lower extremities, patients have a papular (tubercular) rash with severe itching, which then passes with slight peeling.Since the chikungunya virus pathologically changes the vascular wall, pinpoint rashes, gingival and nosebleeds often occur.

WHAT IS DANGEROUS WITH CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER?

In most cases, the infection is not fatal, and those infected most often recover on their own. Also, someone who once had Chikungunya is unlikely to get infected again.

Although not usually fatal, Chikungunya causes painful and debilitating symptoms.Some patients experience unbearable joint pain for months or even years after infection. In some cases, pain and swelling can lead to disability.

In severe cases, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, hemorrhages in the retina and the brain may occur. After recovery, joint stiffness may persist for a long time. The addition of a secondary bacterial infection is not excluded in connection with invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment (blood sampling, artificial ventilation of the lungs, injections, installation of intravenous and urinary catheters), congestive pneumonia often develops.Fever deaths are most often due to late seeking medical attention.

CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER DIAGNOSTICS:

If you suspect Chikungunya fever, it is necessary to consult an infectious disease specialist, dermatovenerologist and therapist, if symptoms of eye and brain damage appear, an ophthalmologist and a neurologist.

To confirm or cancel the diagnosis, a blood test is carried out for special markers, a biochemical blood test.

Instrumental research methods are also actively used – ultrasound and radiography of the affected joints.

PREVENTION:

1) During the “mosquito season” and when traveling to epidemically disadvantaged countries, it is necessary to use various repellents (mosquito repellents).

2) When traveling, you must choose accommodation with mosquito nets on the windows or with air conditioning.For added protection, you can self-install mosquito nets on windows, doors and above your bed.

3) Long sleeves and trousers must be worn.

4) Before traveling, read about Chikungunya in Travel Tips. Know in advance when to take additional precautions.

5) Be especially vigilant during daytime activities. Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the two species of mosquito that most commonly spread Chikungunya, and they are most active during the day.

The development of a vaccine against Chikungunya fever is reported, however, the drug is still undergoing registration stages. In the future, the vaccine can be used to immunize those living in areas with high morbidity, as well as for those who wish to visit them for tourist and work purposes.