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General health information

Fever

Fever 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.

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  • Fever is often a normal immune response to an infection.
  • Most fevers are caused by a virus and settle with rest and fluids.
  • The overall picture matters more than the thermometer reading alone.
  • In Curaçao, consider dengue when there is a fever, particularly with significant muscle pain, headache or pain behind the eyes.
  • Unusual drowsiness, confusion, a stiff neck, breathlessness, dehydration or rapid deterioration are warning signs.

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A
A child with feverFever 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.
C
Childhood illnesses with rashesRashes in children are often caused by a virus and usually clear up on their own, but not every rash is harmless. Pay particular attention to purple or red spots that do not fade under pressure, unusual drowsiness, difficulty breathing, a stiff neck or rapidly worsening illness: these may indicate meningococcal disease or sepsis and need immediate emergency help. Measles and rubella are especially important during pregnancy and in people with a weakened immune system. Have your child assessed if you are unsure, especially with a high fever, dehydration or if they look ill.
D
DiarrhoeaWith diarrhoea, stools are more frequent and looser than usual. A gut infection is usually the cause and often gets better on its own, but dehydration can quickly become dangerous, especially for babies, older people, pregnant people and those with vulnerable health. Drinking enough and recognising warning signs in time matter most.