Dengue Fever in Adults Can Turn Serious, Experts Warn

Dengue fever, often perceived as primarily a childhood illness, is posing a serious and often underestimated threat to adults in Indonesia, according to health experts. Dr. Sukamto Koesnoe, Chair of the Adult Immunization Task Force of the Indonesian Association of Internal Medicine Physicians (PAPDI), emphasizes that the disease significantly impacts the adult population, disrupting work and family life, and can lead to severe complications, especially for those with pre-existing health issues.

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Dengue is often considered a disease that mainly affects children, whereas in the adult age group, the risk remains high and can have broad-reaching impacts.

Dr. Koesnoe highlighted that a considerable number of adult patients require hospitalization, underscoring the severity of dengue in this demographic. The prolonged recovery period further exacerbates the impact on productivity. The risk is amplified for adults with comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension, who may need more intensive medical intervention. This perspective challenges the common misconception that dengue is solely a pediatric concern, urging adults to take preventive measures seriously.

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These conditions can exacerbate the course of the disease and increase the need for more intensive medical care.

Echoing these concerns, Dr. Hartono Gunardi of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) noted that dengue's unpredictable nature also affects children, with cases potentially worsening rapidly, leading to severe bleeding and shock. The data indicating that a significant proportion of dengue deaths occur in the 5-14 age group further emphasizes the need for vigilance across all age groups.

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In this World Immunization Week, we urge the public to be more proactive in protecting themselves and their families, including consulting with healthcare professionals about available prevention options, such as immunization, according to individual needs and conditions.

From an Indonesian standpoint, the rising incidence and severity of dengue fever are critical public health issues exacerbated by unpredictable weather patterns and climate change, which favor mosquito breeding. The emphasis on integrated prevention—combining environmental management, public awareness campaigns, and vaccination—is paramount. While international coverage might focus on global health trends, for Indonesia, addressing dengue is a matter of protecting its productive workforce and vulnerable children, ensuring national health security, and mitigating the economic burden caused by widespread illness. The call for proactive public engagement and consultation with healthcare professionals reflects a community-centered approach to combating this persistent threat.

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A child with common early dengue fever symptoms, such as sudden high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea or vomiting, can sometimes rapidly worsen, leading to severe bleeding and shock.