Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

A child with fever

Fever in a child is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, it can also indicate a more serious infection, especially in very young children, unusually drowsy children or those drinking little. Bo Dòkter advises a low threshold for medical assessment in children under 3 years; babies and children with warning signs need prompt assessment.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

  • Fever in children is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own.
  • Temperature alone does not indicate severity. Your child's behaviour, drinking, urination and breathing matter more.
  • A child who is unusually drowsy, difficult to comfort, drinking poorly or becoming breathless needs prompt medical assessment.
  • Bo Dòkter advises a low threshold for medical assessment in children under 3 years with fever, because young children can deteriorate faster.
  • Babies under 3 months with fever need particularly prompt assessment.
  • Outside office hours, call HAP 9252 for an urgent concern. For a threat to life, call Ambulance 912.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
F
FeverFever signals that your body is reacting to something, often an infection. Usually a virus is responsible and you recover with rest, fluids and time. However, fever can also indicate more serious problems such as dengue in Curaçao, dehydration, pneumonia, sepsis or meningitis. Look beyond the temperature: consider how ill someone looks, whether they remain clear-headed, drink, pass urine and breathe normally. Vulnerable people, including babies, older people, pregnant people and those with a weakened immune system, should contact a doctor sooner.
S
Sick childA sick child often has a harmless infection, but can deteriorate quickly, especially as a baby. Look beyond the temperature: breathing, colour, responsiveness, how easily the child wakes, drinking, urination, pain, rash and the parent's sense that something is wrong determine how quickly assessment is needed.
S
Sore throatA sore throat is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, watch for difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, dehydration, a muffled voice, a uvula pulled to one side or marked swelling on one side of the throat. These may indicate a more serious infection or an abscess. Rest, fluids and soft food often help, but a doctor needs to assess warning signs promptly.