"Dengue is not a joke and it almost took my life away."
This story represents one person's experience with dengue disease. It is important to talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be dengue disease. Dengue symptoms vary and are often unnoticeable or mild.
My name is Jenny, and I live in Singapore. I was doing something in the late afternoon when I suddenly began to feel dizzy and short of breath. Shortly after, I developed a fever around 39 degrees, and my entire body started to ache.
The next day, I visited my local doctor, who ordered a blood test and confirmed later in the evening that I had dengue. She advised me to rest at home and monitor my condition closely. That night I rested, but the following morning I felt that something was not right, so I went to the emergency room immediately. The doctors initially suspected dehydration and gave me fluids, but my condition actually worsened and my blood pressure dropped – the doctor informed my family that my condition was life threatening.
The doctor explained that there was a risk of stroke, and my body became swollen, including my face, hands, and legs. My condition worsened again. I needed more oxygen and the doctor gave me a mask that was tightly fitted against my face to support me.
From there, my condition slowly began to improve and eventually I was discharged after 11 days of hospitalization. I was given about one month of medical leave, and for the next few weeks after discharge I felt very tired.
My advice to everyone is to be careful and take all necessary precautions to prevent mosquitoes from entering your surroundings.
My doctor explained that recovery could take longer because this was my second dengue infection, which was also why my condition was very, very bad. Dengue can be quite serious if you catch it a second time, so everybody must be aware. We need to cherish our life because dengue is not a joke and it almost took my life away.
C-ANPROM/INT/QDE/0348 | March 2026
Do you have a dengue story to tell?
Your experience could be the key to helping others understand the impact of dengue. Whether you have been directly affected or have supported someone through it, your story can raise awareness, inspire others, and contribute to the global fight against dengue. Every voice matters, and by sharing your story, you can make a difference.
