Clinical Characteristics and Outcome Predictors in Children with Febrile Illness Suspected of Dengue Fever

Overview

This study investigates the clinical profile and outcome predictors of children with febrile illness suspected of dengue in Burao, Somaliland.

Background

Dengue fever poses a significant public health challenge globally, with increasing incidence in regions like Somaliland. Limited pediatric data necessitates further research to understand the clinical characteristics and outcomes of dengue in children, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Common symptoms included rash (60.8%), nausea/vomiting (89.3%), and abdominal pain (69.3%).
• Bleeding manifestations were associated with a higher likelihood of complications (RRR = 5.07).
• Longer fever duration correlated with a higher likelihood of death (RRR = 1.34).
• A higher maximum recorded temperature was linked to increased complications (RRR = 1.65).
• Abdominal pain showed a lower likelihood of complications (RRR = 0.28).
• Age, sex, and residence did not predict outcomes.

Clinical Implications

Recognizing bleeding signs and monitoring fever duration are critical for improving management in pediatric dengue cases.

Conclusion

The study highlights the clinical indicators in children with suspected dengue.

Related Resources & Content

1. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2026 -- Epidemiology and Outcomes of Pediatric Fever in a Rural District of Southern Mozambique: 17 Years of Morbidity Surveillance
2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Prevalence and determinants of fever, diarrhea, and acute respiratory infection among children aged 5–59 months in Somaliland, 2020: insights from a nationwide survey
3. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2026 -- Neurological Outcomes Following Dengue Virus-Related Encephalitis in Pediatric Patients
4. CDC, 2026 -- Clinical Care of Dengue
5. WHO, 2025 -- Guidelines for clinical management of arboviral diseases
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