‘I missed out on being a teenager’: Natacha describes the impact of her dengue symptoms after contracting dengue twice

Natacha, from Brazil, has spent most of her teenage years as a wheelchair user since contracting dengue fever twice at the age of just 14. Although only around 1 in 20 people with dengue fever develop severe dengue,¹ Natasha's story is an especially rare and unique case, particularly in the context of dengue disease outcomes; she experienced serious dengue symptoms including significant weight loss and extreme weakness in her legs, which left her unable to walk. She reflects upon the impact that severe dengue had on herself and her family, their disbelief at what happened and the joy they experienced as she slowly began to recover from her symptoms of dengue. Today, Natacha emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle whilst being vigilant about dengue prevention measures.

This video features real individuals sharing their experiences with dengue. The video reflects a patient’s specific experience and is not intended to represent those of a typical patient. Given the nature of dengue, symptoms and experiences will vary.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/hcp/clinical-signs/ Accessed November 2024.