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Drowsiness; the child is listless, unresponsive and unable to drink. This is the worst of the danger signs - GO TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY.
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If the child has any of the next three signs he is seriously dehydrated and needs medical attention as soon as possible.
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The child is passing less urine than normal. Normally a child will pass urine very frequently, at least every four hours. Children who are becoming significantly dehydrated pass less urine and it is dark or tea-coloured. (Watery diarrhoea can be hard to distinguish from urine - if in doubt smell it)
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The eyes look sunken within the surrounding bony ridge and there are dark rings.
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The child's skin loses its natural elasticity. Pinch a fold of skin on the belly. When released the skin should immediately spring back to the normal smooth surface of the belly. If it continues to stand proud after two seconds this is a serious danger sign. GO TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY.
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