Dengue fever is a major health concern in Indonesia, with hundreds of thousands of cases reported each year.

Recognizing the signs of DF early on is crucial for receiving proper medical treatment and preventing life-threatening complications.

What is DF (Dengue Fever)?

Dengue Fever, or DF, is a disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through the bites of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

This disease has become a global health issue, with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year. In Indonesia, DF often emerges, especially during the rainy season, when stagnant water provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Characteristics of Dengue Fever

Dengue virus infection exhibits a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Here are the characteristics of dengue fever you need to know:

– Early Symptoms (4–10 days after bite)

Symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days, with the following signs:

  • High fever (40°C/104°F)
  • Severe headache
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Skin rash

– Severe Dengue Fever Symptoms

The condition can progress to a more serious state with the following symptoms:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Bleeding from gums or nose
  • Blood in vomit
  • Rapid breathing
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Restlessness
  • Pale and cold skin
  • Excessive thirst
  • Feeling weak

Risk Factors for Severity

Several conditions can increase the risk of severe dengue fever:

  • Previous dengue infection
  • Young age
  • Pregnancy
  • Weak immune system

It’s important to note that during the recovery period, DF patients may feel fatigue for several weeks.

Seek medical help immediately if you have severe symptoms, as early treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of death from severe dengue fever.

Prevention of Dengue Fever

The prevention of Dengue Fever can be achieved through several comprehensive approaches, with a primary program known as “3M Plus”:

3M Program

1. Draining

  • Regularly cleaning water storage areas such as bathtubs, drums, and water tanks.
  • Scrubbing the walls of water containers to remove mosquito eggs.
  • Draining at least once a week, especially during the rainy season.

2. Sealing

  • Tightly sealing all water storage containers.
  • Burying used items that can collect water.
  • Ensuring water storage areas remain covered.

3. Recycling

  • Reusing old items that may serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
  • Repurposing used items to create items of economic value.
  • Sorting recyclable waste.

    Additional Steps

    • Using mosquito repellent lotion.
    • Installing screens on vents.
    • Planting mosquito-repelling plants.
    • Raising larvae-eating fish.
    • Applying larvicide to water storage areas that are difficult to clean.
    • Conducting community clean-ups to maintain the environment.

    Additional Prevention Measures

    • Wearing long-sleeved clothing.
    • Repairing clogged gutters and drains.
    • Performing regular mosquito larvae inspections.
    • Participating in the Larva Monitoring Program (Jumantik).

    It is important to consistently and thoroughly apply all these prevention methods, especially in DF-endemic areas.

    Effective prevention requires active participation from the entire community to break the breeding cycle of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

    Best Dengue Fever Vaccination Centers in Indonesia

    Tirta Medical Centre (TMC) is a trusted clinic providing quality DF vaccination services with various vaccine options. TMC offers two types of dengue fever vaccines at competitive prices:

    Options for dengue vaccine and their prices:

    • DF VACCINE (QDENGA): Rp 649,000
    • DF VACCINE PACKAGE (QDENGA 2 DOSES): Rp 1,250,000
    • DF VACCINE (DENGVAXIA 0.5 ml): Rp 1,400,000

    Note: Prices are subject to change. Friends of Tirta can contact us for updated DF vaccine costs or make online reservations here:

    Questions & Reservations

    It should be noted that the symptoms of DF have recently shown changes. Some cases exhibit unusual symptoms, such as fluctuating fever without red spots on the skin.

    Therefore, if you experience a persistent fever lasting more than two days, consult the nearest Tirta Medical Centre clinic immediately.

    References: