Dengue Fever: Symptoms and Prevention

Nutrition tips by Nestlé

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that remains a serious health concern in Malaysia and around the world. It is spread through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, which commonly breed in clean stagnant water found in homes and surrounding areas. With changing weather patterns and frequent rainfall, the risk of dengue fever continues to increase, especially in urban areas.

What is dengue fever?

What is dengue fever

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus and is most common in tropical countries like Malaysia. Cases tend to rise during rainy seasons when water collects easily and creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In Malaysia, dengue is not limited to specific regions and can occur in both urban and rural settings throughout the year.

Globally, dengue fever affects millions of people each year, with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections annually. In Malaysia, dengue cases remain high, with more than 100,000 cases reported in recent years, although some improvement has been seen in certain periods. States with higher population density, such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor, often record more cases due to urban living conditions.

Symptoms of dengue fever

Symptoms of dengue fever usually appear within four to ten days after being bitten by an aedes mosquito. The most common signs include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can feel similar to the flu but are often more intense.

In some cases, dengue can become severe and lead to complications such as bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. This condition requires immediate medical attention and can be life threatening if not treated early.

Short-term and long-term effects on the body

Dengue fever can have both short-term and longer-lasting effects on the body. In the early stage, individuals may experience dehydration, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a drop in platelet levels. Most people recover within a few weeks, but some may continue to feel weak and tired for a longer period.

Repeated dengue infections can increase the risk of developing severe, life-threatening forms of the disease. In more serious cases, the infection may affect organs such as the liver and lead to complications that require close medical monitoring.

What the Ministry of Health Malaysia is doing

The Ministry of Health Malaysia continues to take active steps to control dengue fever. These efforts include public awareness campaigns, regular monitoring of dengue hotspots, and community clean-up programmes to eliminate mosquito breeding areas. Authorities also work closely with local communities to encourage preventive actions at home and in shared spaces.

Through MySejahtera, the public is able to check information related to infectious diseases including dengue fever around their areas. This helps the community to be more aware of the risks and take preventive measures surrounding their respective areas.

How to prevent dengue fever at home

Preventing dengue fever starts with reducing mosquito breeding areas in your environment. Different types of homes may require different approaches.

● For those living in apartments or condominiums, it is important to check the balconies, plant pots, and drainage areas for stagnant water. Avoid leaving water in containers and ensure shared spaces such as corridors and rubbish areas are kept clean.

● For terrace or landed houses, regular cleaning of drains and gutters is essential. Water storage containers should be tightly covered, and unused items that can collect rainwater should be removed.

● In rural or village areas, extra attention should be given to water storage tanks and outdoor containers. Clearing vegetation and maintaining clean surroundings can help reduce mosquito breeding.

Simple daily habits to reduce risk

In addition to keeping your surroundings clean, small daily habits can help reduce the risk of dengue fever. Using mosquito repellent, installing window screens and wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito hours can lower exposure to mosquito bites. Keeping your home dry and well-maintained is one of the most effective ways to prevent dengue.

A safer way to stay protected

Dengue fever is a serious but preventable illness. By understanding how it spreads, recognising the symptoms and taking consistent preventive measures, you can reduce the risk for yourself and your family. Staying informed and maintaining a clean environment are key steps towards protecting your health throughout the year.