Answer:

Mosquitoes transmit many diseases, including dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis, and zika virus. Infants have underdeveloped immune systems, with weaker resistance and control against viruses and infections compared to older children. When bitten by a mosquito and infected with pathogens, the baby's body cannot produce enough antibodies to fight them, leading to rapid disease progression and a higher risk of severe illness.

Symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses in infants are often vague and non-specific, including refusing to feed, crying, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, fever, or hypothermia. Parents may easily confuse these with common colds or issues like bloating or poor feeding, leading to delayed diagnosis. When an infant develops a fever from a mosquito-borne illness, their body dehydrates quickly. However, infants cannot drink large amounts of water like older children or take rehydration solutions such as oresol. Intravenous fluid administration for infants requires strict monitoring because their hearts and kidneys are easily overloaded. Therefore, preventing mosquito bites in infants is crucial.

You should not apply mosquito repellent cream or spray directly onto your baby's skin. Infants have delicate skin, and applying or spraying mosquito repellent increases the risk of skin irritation. Their metabolic and excretory systems are not fully developed, so chemicals absorbed through the skin or accidentally ingested or inhaled pose a risk of long-term accumulation, affecting their health. Currently, pediatric guidelines recommend against using mosquito repellents for infants under two months of age. Most products are only suitable for children two months or older, and some types are only for those over 6 months.

Instead, parents should focus on physical barriers and environmental control to prevent mosquito bites. Have your baby sleep under a mosquito net. When your baby is in a bassinet, crib, or stroller outdoors, use a specialized protective mesh. Choose light-colored clothing made of thin, light, sweat-absorbent cotton that covers the baby's arms and legs.

Mosquitoes prefer to hide in dark and damp places. You should clean hidden corners in the bedroom and avoid clutter near your child's bed. Turn on a fan at a low setting, allowing it to rotate gently in the room, not directed straight at the baby, to limit mosquito access.

Parents should have their baby sleep under a mosquito net to prevent bites. *AI-generated image*

Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever, often lay eggs in water containers around the house, such as flower vases, leftover water basins, or stagnant water in air conditioners. Families should overturn these items or change the water regularly to prevent breeding.

Do not use mosquito coils as they can irritate a child's respiratory tract, and do not spray lemongrass or cajuput essential oils directly onto a child's clothes or skin. If you wish to diffuse essential oils in a room, do so about 30-45 minutes before bringing your baby in, then turn off the diffuser and open the door slightly for ventilation. If there are mosquitoes in the room, you can use an electric mosquito swatter.

If your child has a fever, feeds poorly, is excessively sleepy, or has many red bites, take them to a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Dr. CKI To Vu Thien Huong

Neonatal Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM