Obese Children are Vulnerable to Experiencing Severity When Infected with DHF

Report by Tribunnews.com reporter, Aisyah Nursyamsi

TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA – Child obesity or overweight are one of the vulnerable groups experiencing severity when infected with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

This was conveyed by Members of the Coordination Work Unit (UKK) for Infection and Tropical Infectious Diseases of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), Dr. Mulya Rahma Karyanti Sp.A.(K).

“So it is true that there is a recent scientific study which shows that children obesity the risk of fatality is more severe,” he said at a virtual media briefing, Sunday (29/1/2023).

He revealed the child experienced obesity it turns out that children who have a low immune response.

“So that an immunological reaction occurs, causing a mediator reaction or for example an increase in inflammatory substances,” said Dr. Mulya.

The impact resulting from the above process is a severe leak in the vessels.

Also read: Four things that need to be monitored when a child has dengue fever

“So that it is more severe if hypovolemic shock occurs,” he explained again.

Hypovolemic shock is the inability of the heart to supply enough blood to the body due to a lack of blood volume.

Besides obesitythere are several groups that have risk factors for experiencing severe symptoms when affected by dengue fever.

Among them are babies, pregnant women, the elderly, groups with co-morbidities or comorbidities such as heart disease, hypertension and so on.