Dengue fever is entering a resurgence period with unpredictable developments. Worryingly, a number of cases have turned severe because patients were complacent, mistaking the symptoms for common illnesses and seeking medical care too late.
In reality, the disease can begin with signs such as fever, fatigue, and headache, and some people may develop rashes or hives (particularly in young children, who sometimes show only fever and poor feeding), but within just a few days, the condition can rapidly progress to dangerous complications such as shock, severe hemorrhage, or even multi-organ failure if not monitored and treated in time.
Dengue fever can affect people of all ages. Besides children, an increasing number of adult cases with more complex progression are now being recorded, especially among people with underlying conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or overweight and obesity.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, in the first nearly 3 months of 2026, the whole country recorded 31,927 cases with 4 deaths, a 2.2-fold increase compared to the same period last year. Ho Chi Minh City alone accounted for 30.3% of the nation's cases (with 13,860 cases). This is a sign that the epidemic continues to develop in a complex manner and poses significant risks within the community.
Given the current situation, the Ministry of Health has issued strong recommendations for the public to proactively implement measures to prevent dengue fever.
Expert Insight
According to a pediatric internal medicine specialist at HIU Hospital: "Dengue fever progresses in stages, and the dangerous stage often does not coincide with the period of highest fever." This underscores the importance of not letting one's guard down once the fever subsides.
Self-administering IV fluids, using medication without proper guidance, or monitoring at home after warning signs have appeared can increase the risk of severe complications.
Children and people with underlying conditions need to be monitored more closely due to the potential for rapid progression and the difficulty of recognizing early warning signs. If dengue fever is suspected, one should visit a medical facility for examination and specific guidance.
Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, HIU Hospital
This department combines the specialties of General Internal Medicine – Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics to meet the examination and treatment needs of both adults and children for internal medicine conditions, especially seasonal infectious diseases.
The department includes:
A Pediatric clinic and a General Internal Medicine clinic for outpatient examination and monitoring.
An inpatient area supporting treatment and continuous medical monitoring for cases that require it.