What to do if you suspect dengue fever in Bali and how is it treated locally?

If you have high fever and suspect dengue, it's important to know how treatment works in local hospitals — one traveler in Bali experienced sudden worsening with dengue-like symptoms.

Never take aspirin or ibuprofen if you suspect dengue — these drugs further lower platelet levels. Only paracetamol is safe for reducing fever.

By the third day of illness with fever up to 39°C (102°F) and severe runny nose, the dengue test can still come back negative — doctors recommend retesting if fever persists.

A runny nose isn't typical for dengue but can't be fully ruled out — it could be a regular cold or dengue. There's no specific cure for dengue, only supportive care.

If your temperature exceeds 38°C (100.4°F), take fever reducers and drink plenty of fluids. Order coconut water — it's rich in electrolytes and helps with dehydration.

Many people with dengue drink papaya leaf juice — a natural but very bitter green remedy believed to help blood cell production, often used as a folk supplement to treatment.

If your condition worsens (symptoms intensify or you feel critically unwell), seek medical help at a hospital immediately rather than continuing to treat yourself at home.