What is Dengue Fever? Symptoms & Treatment

Dengue Fever is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through the bites of female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

This disease can affect all age groups and can be life-threatening if not properly managed.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a disease characterized by sudden high fever lasting 2-7 days, accompanied by bleeding manifestations and a decrease in platelets.

The dengue virus is divided into 4 serotypes, namely DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. A person can be infected with the dengue virus up to four times in their life because the antibodies formed only protect against the same serotype.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

The incubation period for the dengue virus is 4-10 days after a mosquito bite. DHF symptoms can be divided into three phases:

1. Fever Phase (2-7 days)

Sudden high fever (39-41°C) that is biphasic (fever fluctuates)
Severe headache, especially in the retro-orbital (behind the eyes) area
Intense muscle, bone, and joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Swelling of lymph nodes
Red rash appeared on the fourth day

2. Critical Phase (24-48 hours)

Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Bleeding of gums and mucosa
Lethargy or restlessness
Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
Pleural effusion and ascites

3. Recovery Phase

General condition improves
Appetite improves
Itchy skin
Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

Causes of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is caused by infection with the dengue virus, which belongs to the Flavivirus genus. The transmission of the dengue virus occurs through several mechanisms:

1. Primary Transmission

Bites by infected female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are active and bite in the early morning and late afternoon
Mosquitoes breed in clean water collections such as bathtubs, old tires, and water storage containers

2. Secondary Transmission

Transmission from pregnant women to the fetus during pregnancy or at birth
Transmission through blood transfusions or organ transplants

Dengue Fever Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of contracting DHF:

1. Demographic Factors

Individuals under 15 years old have a 95% risk of severe DHF
High population density in urban areas
High population mobility between endemic regions
Nutritional status (children with excess nutrition or obesity are at higher risk)

2. Environmental Factors

Living in tropical or subtropical areas with high cases of DHF
Poor environmental sanitation
High rainfall and optimal humidity for mosquito breeding
Presence of uncovered water containers

3. Medical Factors

History of previous DHF infection with different serotypes
Genetic factors related to immune response
Presence of comorbid diseases such as diabetes or kidney failure

Diagnosis of Dengue Fever

DHF diagnosis is conducted through several stages:

1. Anamnesis and Physical Examination

History of sudden high fever
Typical DHF clinical symptoms
Tourniquet test examination
Signs of bleeding and plasma leakage

2. Laboratory Tests

NS1 antigen test for early dengue virus detection
Serological tests for dengue IgG and IgM
Complete blood count (platelets and hematocrit)
Liver function tests
RT-PCR for dengue virus confirmation

Top Dengue Fever Vaccination Center

Tirta Medical Centre (TMC) is a trusted clinic offering dengue vaccination services with the highest standards in Indonesia.

TMC features experienced medical staff and modern facilities to provide safe and comfortable vaccination services. The available dengue vaccines at TMC are QDenga and Dengvaxia, both recommended by the WHO.

According to clinical study data, the QDenga vaccine is approved for ages 6 – 45 years. Meanwhile, the Dengvaxia vaccine is effective for individuals previously infected with the dengue virus (seropositive) aged 9-16 years.

Here are the prices for Dengue Fever Vaccines at Tirta Medical Centre:

DENGUE VACCINE (DENVAXIA 0.5 ml): IDR 1,400,000
DENGUE VACCINE (QDENGA): IDR 649,000
DENGUE VACCINE PACKAGE (QDENGA 2 DOSES): IDR 1,250,000

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

Questions & Reservations

Dengue Fever Treatment

Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments for DHF. Treatments provided are supportive to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Treatments for DHF are divided into two categories:

1. Home Treatment

Complete bed rest
Adequate oral fluid intake (2-2.5L/day) such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or isotonic fluids
Warm compresses to reduce fever
Paracetamol for fever and pain (avoid aspirin and NSAIDs)
Monitoring for danger signs