A recent study reveals that obese children infected with dengue are significantly more likely to suffer severe illness requiring hospitalization. Analyzing nearly 5,000 dengue-infected children in Sri Lanka, researchers found that those with higher BMIs had higher hospitalization rates, with the heaviest children twice as likely to be hospitalized.

With obesity increasing worldwide, it's crucial to raise awareness about the potential risks of severe disease and hospitalization from dengue, emphasized Dr. Neelika Malavige, senior researcher and professor of immunology and molecular medicine at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka.

This study arrives just weeks after dengue alerts in the Florida Keys and a nationwide advisory from the CDC about the increased risk of dengue infections in the U.S. Dengue cases reached a historic high in 2023, and this year, the numbers are already surpassing that record.

Dengue, often called “break bone fever,” causes fever, severe joint, bone, and muscle pain, along with nausea, vomiting, and rash. Severe cases can result in shock and death if untreated. Early detection of complications is vital.

There’s no specific medicine to treat dengue, but a vaccine is approved for children ages 9 to 16 in areas where the virus is common. The link between childhood obesity and severe dengue needs further exploration to develop targeted treatments for at-risk populations. Stay informed and protect our children from this growing threat.

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