Medical Articles
Don’t Underestimate Dengue Fever!
05.05.2026
A mosquito might seem easy to swat away, but don’t let its small size fool you—it is not to be underestimated! In Malaysia, dengue fever is an infectious disease that requires vigilance year-round.
Dengue fever is classified as a “neglected tropical disease” affected by climate change and is one of the illnesses defined by the WHO (World Health Organization) as a “tropical disease that must be eradicated.” It is caused by the dengue virus and transmitted to humans primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. While some infections are asymptomatic, severe cases known as “dengue hemorrhagic fever” can be fatal. The incubation period—the time from infection to the onset of symptoms—ranges from 2 to 14 days. Even if some infected individuals do not develop symptoms, those who do may experience a high fever of 38°C or higher, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and occasionally a rash. While there is no specific antiviral cure for dengue, preventive vaccination and symptomatic treatment are vital. With proper care to manage fever and pain, most patients recover within about a week. The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. Protect yourself by covering exposed skin, staying away from standing water, and using insect repellent.
The initial symptoms of dengue, such as fever and body aches, are very similar to those of a common cold or the flu. It is dangerous to self-diagnose based on these symptoms alone. If you experience such symptoms, please consider the possibility of dengue as well as the flu, and visit a medical facility as soon as possible for a professional diagnosis and proper treatment.
Author Bio
Dr. Vivien
Medical Director/Family Medicine Specialist
After completing medical school in Moscow, Dr. Vivien gained clinical experience at a general hospital in Penang, Malaysia. She later served as a full-time physician at Batu Gajah Hospital in Perak and at a clinic in Selangor.
Since 2018, she has been with Hibari Clinic, where she currently serves as Medical Director and is dedicated to providing care for the local community. She has a strong interest in pediatrics and psychosomatic medicine, and values patient-centered care that respects each individual’s needs.