High Fever Without Other Symptoms in Children Could Indicate Urinary Tract Infection

A paediatrician has cautioned parents not to dismiss a high fever in children that appears without other signs of illness, as it could be a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

“In infants under 24 months, the most common symptom is fever without a clear source,” said Henny during a kidney health discussion in Jakarta on Friday.

According to the doctor, who is a member of the Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI), many parents assume that fever in children is always linked to respiratory infections or digestive disorders. In fact, urinary tract infections can also cause high fever even without complaints of coughing, runny nose, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

“We have a child who comes in with a fever, no cough, no runny nose, no diarrhoea, no vomiting, suddenly a fever. Be careful, it might be a urinary tract infection,” she said.

Besides fever, another symptom often found in infants and toddlers is failure to thrive, or weight that does not increase according to age. One sign to watch for is a baby experiencing prolonged jaundice or a severe infection without a clear cause.

Meanwhile, in children over two years of age, symptoms are usually easier to recognise because the child can already communicate their complaints. In addition to increased frequency of urination, parents also need to pay attention to changes in the colour and smell of urine. Urine that appears cloudy or has a stronger odour can be a sign of infection.

If the infection has become more severe, the child may experience fever accompanied by lower back pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Henny added that urinary tract infections are one of the most common conditions found in paediatric kidney disorder cases, so early detection and treatment are important to prevent further complications.