National Hospital for Tropical Diseases warns of Dengue fever cases

The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Vietnam has reported a series of Dengue fever cases with diverse clinical presentations. Medical professionals are warning the public not to mistake the virus for a common flu due to overlapping symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue.

Recent cases include a 49-year-old woman who experienced high fever and significant platelet reduction, and a 37-year-old woman who initially attempted self-treatment for what she believed was a common cold, only to experience severe headaches and bleeding gums. A particularly complex case involved a 58-year-old patient undergoing chemotherapy for rectal cancer, where the combination of an underlying condition and Dengue fever made monitoring and treatment more difficult.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Deputy Head of the Virus and Parasite Department, advises against self-medicating with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before Dengue is ruled out, as these can increase bleeding risks. If not properly managed, the disease can progress to dangerous stages involving low platelet counts, blood concentration, hemorrhage, and shock.