Dengue Can Worsen as Fever Subsides: Know the Warning Signs

Dengue can look like an ordinary fever at first, then become dangerous just as the temperature begins to fall. That apparent improvement can mislead families into thinking the patient is recovering, said doctor and content creator Gia Pratama Putra.

"What makes dengue dangerous is when families feel that the fever has improved, even though the patient's condition can actually worsen quickly during a certain phase," Gia said in a written statement received by Republika on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.

Families should watch for severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, bleeding, extreme weakness, restlessness and declining consciousness. Patients showing these signs need immediate medical attention. Gia said fast and appropriate treatment can prevent dengue from becoming more severe.

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What makes dengue dangerous is when families feel that the fever has improved, even though the patient's condition can actually worsen quickly during a certain phase.

"At the emergency department, we work to save patients when dengue has already become severe. But the greatest victory actually happens long before the patient reaches the emergency department," he said. He urged people to focus on prevention through consistent use of 3M Plus measures, reducing exposure to mosquito bites and monitoring conditions at home and other places where people spend time. Families can also consult health workers about other prevention options, including dengue vaccination.

Dengue has remained a public health threat in Indonesia despite advances in treatment and disease control. The country's first recorded outbreak occurred in Jakarta and Surabaya in 1968, with 58 cases and 24 deaths. Fatality rates have since fallen below 1 percent, but dengue can occur throughout the year, not only during the rainy season. A Universitas Gadjah Mada burden-of-disease study estimated more than two million dengue hospitalizations in 2024 and an economic burden of nearly 9 trillion rupiah. Indonesia is targeting zero dengue deaths by 2030, while the Health Ministry has led preparations for a 2026-2029 national dengue-control action plan.

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At the emergency department, we work to save patients when dengue has already become severe. But the greatest victory actually happens long before the patient reaches the emergency department.