Children are susceptible to many diseases before they reach adulthood, and parents should be aware of these diseases in order to recognize the signs and symptoms of each. Several diseases cause fever in children, many of which also develop severe symptoms that could lead to more serious complications. Although a fever alone may not be a symptom of a serious illness, a fever combined with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache or a skin rash may need immediate doctor’s care for diagnosis and treatment.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, which causes an itchy skin rash and a fever. The rash can look like blisters on the skin, and although they can occur anywhere on the body they are typically localized to the trunk, face and scalp. Chickenpox is contagious, and is spread through sneezing and coughing or through directed contact with an infected individual.
Influenza
Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory disease that causes fever and/or chills, sore throat, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose. Children are more susceptible to experiencing vomiting or diarrhea with the flu. Many people recover in less than two weeks, but the flu can lead to bronchitis, ear infections or pneumonia. The flu can be spread through coughing or sneezing.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is caused by the group A streptococcus, the same bacteria that causes strep throat. Scarlet fever causes fever and a skin rash in individuals with strep throat, causing the tongue to become red and swollen and the skin on the chest and stomach to look like a sunburn. The bacteria that causes scarlet fever is carried through fluids in the nose and mouth, and can be passed to others through coughing and sneezing. Swollen neck glands, pale skin around the lips, body aches, nausea, and a fever of 101 degrees or higher are common symptoms of scarlet fever.
Pertussis
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, begins with a mild cough and fever but can develop into a severe cough within two weeks. Violent coughing, runny nose, and a low-grade fever are symptoms of pertussis. Coughing symptoms can last for more than 10 weeks, which can lead to breathing difficulties in children. Recovering from pertussis can be slow, and symptoms can return in children who develop any other type of respiratory infection within the next several months.
Meningitis
Meningitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection that leads to inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis, and usually goes away with minimal treatment. Bacterial meningitis is much more severe, causing fever, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, neck stiffness and a headache. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacterial meningitis can sometimes be spread through coughing and sneezing, but it is not as contagious as the common cold or the flu.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a disease that causes an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include severe fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to dehydration. The CDC reports that rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children around the world. Rotavirus can easily be spread to other children, and proper hand washing is essential to help prevent infection.
