The Role of Reliable Diagnostics

Dengue fever continues to pose significant health challenges worldwide, especially for travelers returning from endemic regions.

A Traveler's Tale: Dengue Misdiagnosis Abroad

Marcel’s experience with dengue during a trip to Thailand illustrates the often underestimated severity and complexity of this disease.

Marcel’s illness began with symptoms easily mistaken for the flu - a blocked nose and mild headache - leading him to self-medicate with ibuprofen, which is contraindicated in dengue cases due to increased bleeding risk.

His condition worsened on the flight back to Switzerland, culminating in a high fever of 41°C, a spreading rash, and intense fatigue. Despite visiting a doctor, the initial misdiagnosis as measles delayed proper testing and confirmation of dengue, highlighting the diagnostic challenges in countries where dengue is rare and healthcare providers may lack experience with the disease.

Marcel’s story is a powerful reminder of the necessity for improved diagnostic and awareness in non-endemic regions, and continued vigilance in prevention efforts.

Brazil's Dengue Epidemic: Denise's Call for Action

Denise from Brazil, became one of the millions affected by dengue during the country’s historic 2024 outbreak. Her personal journey underscores the critical importance of reliable diagnostics and disease notification in managing public health crises.

In 2010, while working in a clinical laboratory, Denise began experiencing symptoms that initially seemed manageable with over-the-counter medication. However, her condition quickly deteriorated: she struggled to stand, suffered persistent malaise, and could not keep food down. Seeking hospital care, she underwent a blood count test that revealed a low platelet count, a key indicator of dengue disease. Denise was not tested with any specific tests for dengue diagnosis.

Brazil’s 2024 dengue epidemic was the worst on record, with over 6 million confirmed cases and a significant number of deaths1,2,3,4. Reliable diagnostics, such as serological tests and molecular assays, are essential for several reasons, including accurate diagnosis, epidemiological reporting and targeted Public Health response.

Denise’s story illustrates the consequences of underdiagnosis and underreporting. She now advocates for the routine use of serological tests and mandatory notification to ensure that every case contributes to a clearer understanding of the epidemic and a more effective response.