When I first came to Bali, I had no idea that not all mosquitoes were alike. I thought a mosquito was just a mosquito—annoying, sure, but nothing more than an itchy bump. I learned the hard way that some mosquitoes carry dengue, a potentially serious illness, and they’re not the ones buzzing around at night. These little troublemakers bite during the day, and if you're not careful, they can turn a dream vacation into a stressful hospital stay.

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Now, as a mom raising kids in this environment, avoiding dengue has become second nature. Here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe.

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What is Dengue Fever?

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Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications. In some cases, it develops into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and even be life-threatening.

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Children and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe forms of dengue, making prevention even more critical.

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Symptoms of dengue fever include:

• High fever
• Severe body aches (often called "breakbone fever")
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash
• Fatigue

If left untreated or if it progresses to severe dengue, it can cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), leading to a higher risk of bleeding.

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Early detection is key. If your child has a high fever and dengue is suspected, consider the following tests:

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• NS1 Antigen Test – Detects dengue early, from the first day of fever.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – By day three, dengue typically causes a drop in platelets (thrombocytes), which can be a warning sign of complications.

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How to Protect Your Family from Dengue in Bali

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1. Cover Up with Long, Loose Clothing

Dress kids in long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially in the morning and late afternoon when dengue mosquitoes are most active.

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Light-colored clothing is better—mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.

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If the heat makes long sleeves uncomfortable, opt for loose-fitting cotton or linen clothes that keep skin covered while staying cool.

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2. Use Mosquito Repellent (Even Indoors!)

Apply mosquito repellent throughout the day, not just at night.

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Choose kid-safe options, such as:

• DEET-free repellents (picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil-based alternatives).
• Natural repellents with citronella, neem, or lavender.
• Reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating.

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3. Choose Safe Accommodation

Book hotels or villas with air-conditioning and mosquito screens on windows. If staying in an open-air villa, use mosquito nets over beds and cribs.

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Plug-in mosquito repellents or coils can help, but shouldn’t be your only protection.

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4. Eliminate Stagnant Water

Dengue mosquitoes breed in still water, so regularly check for:

• Standing water in plant pots, buckets, or uncovered containers.
• Poorly maintained pools or fish ponds.
• Unused tires, gutters, or any place rainwater collects.

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5. Choose Locations Wisely

Breezy coastal areas (like Canggu, Sanur, or Uluwatu) tend to have fewer mosquitoes. Jungle areas (like Ubud) have a higher risk, so be extra cautious with repellent and clothing.

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6. Be Extra Cautious After the Rainy Season

Dengue cases spike every year shoryly after the rainy season (November–April) due to increased standing water for mosquito breeding. If visiting Bali during these months, be extra vigilant.

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What to Do If You Suspect Dengue

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Watch for symptoms like high fever, severe body aches, headache (especially behind the eyes), nausea, and rash.

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See a doctor immediately—early detection helps prevent complications.

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Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding (paracetamol is safer).

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Stay hydrated and monitor symptoms closely.

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Final Thoughts

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Bali is an incredible place for families, and dengue shouldn’t scare you away—it just requires some extra precautions. Keep repellent handy, dress appropriately, and choose your accommodations wisely. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your kids safe so you can enjoy your trip worry-free! 🌞

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*Disclaimer: This article is not medical advice. These are tips based on my personal experience as a mom living in this environment and raising kids here. Always consult a doctor if you suspect dengue.*