The battle against dengue has been a decades-long effort, and the war is still ongoing.
With cases rising in Malaysia each year, it’s time to take action – starting with public awareness.
Unfortunately, the public is still not well-educated about this disease, which makes controlling it that much harder.
Malaysians need to be more vigilant and proactive about protecting their families, especially our little ones.
In a recent, vital Facebook Live session by Motherhood.com.my, Consultant Paediatrician Dr Rakhee Yadav tackled the persistent and often dangerous misconceptions surrounding dengue fever.
She provided crucial clarity for parents on how to recognise the real dangers of the illness and, most importantly, shared a clear, actionable plan to protect their families and community.
Here is a summary of her expert advice, from debunking common misconceptions to outlining the steps we can all take to act against dengue.
Busting Dangerous Dengue Misconceptions
Before we can act, we must understand the truth about dengue.
Dr Rakhee addressed several critical misconceptions.
Misconception #1: ‘Dengue is just a bad fever.’
“Dengue is more than ‘just a fever’,” Dr Rakhee warned.
While it can begin with familiar flu-like symptoms such as high fever and body aches, it can rapidly escalate into a severe, life-threatening condition.
She urged parents to watch out for red flags in children, including lethargy, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or any signs of bleeding.
“If these symptoms show up, it’s critical to seek medical help immediately,” she stressed. There is no magic cure; management relies on professional medical care.
Misconception #2: ‘Once you get dengue, you’re immune for life.’
This is a particularly dangerous misconception.
Dr Rakhee clarified that there are four different strains of the dengue virus.
Being infected with one strain only provides immunity to that specific type.
A subsequent infection from a different strain carries a significantly higher risk of developing into severe dengue, like dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
Misconception #3: ‘Once the fever goes down, my child is recovering.’
Not necessarily – and this is where things can get dangerous.
Dr Rakhee explained that when the fever settles, that’s actually when doctors start to worry.
This signals the critical phase of dengue, where fluid shifts in the body can lead to shock. It typically occurs within 24–48 hours after the fever drops.
Don’t assume the worst is over just because the fever is.
An Integrated Plan for Prevention
As they say, prevention is better than cure.
Dr Rakhee outlined a multi-layered strategy for individuals and communities to ‘Act Against Dengue’, based on the principles of the End Dengue Deaths (ENDD) campaign.
- Destroy Breeding Grounds: The first line of defence is eliminating the enemy’s home. Homes, workplaces, and public spaces must be kept free of stagnant water where Aedes mosquitoes breed. Regularly check and clear flower pot plates, drains, and any containers that can collect water.
- Prevent Mosquito Bites: Take personal protective measures seriously. Consistent use of mosquito repellents, installing screens or netting on windows, and wearing protective, long-sleeved clothing are all essential habits, especially during early morning and late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active
- Get Vaccinated: Dengue is now a vaccine-preventable disease, just like the flu or HPV. Dengue vaccines are available and serve as another critical piece in our prevention puzzle, offering a new weapon to ensure stronger and more reliable protection against infection.
- Seek Early Treatment: Do not delay. Any unexplained fever lasting more than two or three days should be taken seriously. Seeking a professional medical opinion and getting tested for dengue can be lifesaving, as delayed care can be fatal.
Act Against Dengue Today
Dengue can have serious consequences, but as Dr Rakhee emphasised, it is largely preventable.
It’s important for us as a community to watch out for each other and take collective action.
“Awareness is good, but taking action makes it a lot better!” Dr Rakhee concluded.
We urge you to Act Against Dengue today.
Speak to your doctor or paediatrician about the latest comprehensive preventive methods, including the use of mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, eliminating breeding grounds, and vaccination.
For more information, visit the End Dengue Deaths (ENDD) campaign website.
The End Dengue Deaths (ENDD) campaign, launched by Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM) on 22 May 2025, aims to eliminate dengue-related fatalities.
Let’s stop the spread of dengue today for the health and wellbeing of our loved ones and future generations.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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