A father recounts how dengue infections hospitalized three of his children

Faizzudin, a father of five from Malaysia, experienced the overwhelming impact of dengue when three of his children became infected with the mosquito-borne disease, within days of each other. All three required hospitalization, one after the other, and each experienced a range of symptoms including high fever, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and liver inflammation. One of his sons developed an abnormally low heart rate, which required urgent medical intervention.

Balancing work, school, and round-the-clock hospital care placed a heavy emotional and physical toll on the entire family. Thankfully, all three children made a full recovery.

The experience has made the family much more vigilant about dengue prevention. Living in a dengue-endemic country, Faizzudin and his wife now take active steps to reduce mosquito breeding at home, and encourage others to stay alert to the risks.

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. If you or a family member are experiencing any symptoms, consult a healthcare provider promptly.