7 Warning Signs of Dengue Fever in Bali: What You Need to Know

Recognizing these warning signs early is vital to prevent the progression of dengue fever to its severe form. Here are the seven warning signs you should be aware of:

1. Abdominal Pain or Tenderness

What It Means:
Severe or persistent abdominal pain can indicate that the dengue virus is affecting your internal organs. This symptom is a red flag for potential complications, such as bleeding or fluid leakage within the abdomen.

Why It’s Critical:
Abdominal pain, particularly when accompanied by tenderness on palpation, suggests that the body is under significant stress from the infection. It may also signal the onset of complications that require immediate medical attention.

2. Persistent Vomiting

What It Means:
While occasional vomiting might be a part of a mild illness, persistent vomiting is concerning. It can lead to rapid dehydration, which is particularly dangerous in tropical climates like Bali.

Why It’s Critical:
Continuous vomiting not only depletes the body of fluids but also prevents the effective absorption of nutrients and medications. This can accelerate the progression of dengue fever and make recovery more challenging.

3. Clinical Fluid Accumulation

What It Means:
Fluid accumulation refers to the buildup of fluid in the body’s cavities, such as the chest (pleural effusion) or abdomen (ascites). This can be detected by physical examination or imaging tests.

Why It’s Critical:
The presence of fluid accumulation indicates that the vascular system is compromised, a hallmark of severe dengue. This condition requires prompt medical intervention to prevent shock and organ failure.

4. Mucosal Bleed

What It Means:
Mucosal bleeding includes any bleeding from the gums, nose, or other mucous membranes. It might manifest as a nosebleed or bleeding gums, and in some cases, even internal bleeding.

Why It’s Critical:
Bleeding from mucosal surfaces is a serious sign that the dengue infection is affecting the blood’s clotting ability. This is a clear warning sign of severe dengue, and immediate medical care is essential.

5. Lethargy or Restlessness

What It Means:
A significant change in behavior, such as extreme drowsiness (lethargy) or uncharacteristic agitation (restlessness), can be a subtle but important warning sign.

Why It’s Critical:
Lethargy or restlessness may indicate that the brain is being affected by the virus, potentially signaling the onset of severe dengue or a drop in blood pressure. Early recognition of these symptoms can prompt timely intervention.

6. Liver Enlargement (>2 cm)

What It Means:
An enlarged liver, which can be measured during a physical examination, is another indicator of severe dengue. When the liver is swollen, it suggests that the virus is causing significant inflammation and damage.

Why It’s Critical:
Liver enlargement is a serious concern as it reflects the severity of the infection. It can also lead to further complications, including liver dysfunction, and requires immediate medical evaluation.

7. Laboratory Findings: Increasing Hematocrit with Rapid Decrease in Platelet Count

What It Means:
This laboratory finding indicates that there is a rapid loss of platelets—a critical component of blood clotting—along with an increase in hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in your blood). This pattern is a clear warning sign of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Why It’s Critical:
A rapid drop in platelet count coupled with an increase in hematocrit levels signifies that the blood vessels are leaking, which can lead to shock. This is one of the most critical warning signs and requires urgent medical intervention.