Bali’s most popular tourist resorts record spike in dengue fever cases

A potentially deadly virus has more than doubled in one of Bali’s top tourist hotspots, sparking urgent warnings from health authorities.

Some of Bali’s most popular tourist resorts have seen a concerning surge in the number of dengue fever cases, prompting authorities to issue an urgent warning.

More than 2405 cases were reported in the Badung Regency region in 2024, compared with 1137 cases in 2023 – an increase of more than 100 per cent.

This figure only takes in the number of cases that were recorded by hospitals, clinics, and health care providers, with potentially thousands of more mild cases going unreported.

The concerning spike now puts Badung Regency, which is home to the island’s most popular tourist resorts including Uluwatu, Canggu, and Seminyak, as the second-highest dengue fever area in the province.

Gianyar Regency, renowned for the bustling tourist hub of Ubud, reported the highest number of dengue fever cases in 2024, with 4478 confirmed by medical professionals.

Meanwhile, Buleleng Regency in North Bali ranked third, recording 1947 cases.

Tourists in Seminyak, Badung regency in Bali. Picture: AFP

Soon-to-be Deputy Governor of Bali, Nyoman Prasta, downplayed Badung Regency’s role in the rise of dengue fever cases, dismissing concerns that the region was a major source of the outbreak despite a noticeable increase in reported infections.

However, he added that the Badung Regency Government would keep up public health protocols to help curb the rising caseloads.

“For the cases of dengue fever, I’m sorry, it’s not necessarily that the mosquito bit you in Badung, it could be from another place,” he said.

“We have given direction to the health service on how dengue does not increase.”

Speaking separately, The Head of the Badung Health Service, Dr Made Padma Puspita, didn’t attempt to downplay the seriousness of the situation, particularly since dengue fever can be life threatening.

Badung Regency, which is home to the island’s most popular tourist resorts including Uluwatu, Canggu, and Seminyak, now has the second-highest dengue fever area in the province.

“We see that the rain this time is very different from last year. There are many floods and puddles everywhere,” Dr Puspita said.

“The most important thing is community participation. We can prevent cases in our environment by eradicating mosquito nests.

“This step is usually called 3M Plus, namely draining water reservoirs, closing water reservoirs, and recycling various items that have the potential to be used as breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus in humans.”

Tourists visiting Bali are advised to take the potential risks of dengue fever seriously and to read up on prevention, and the signs and symptoms to look out for.

Dengue fever symptoms typically include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and pain behind the eyes.

Some individuals may also experience nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

In severe cases, dengue can lead to bleeding, difficulty breathing, and organ failure, requiring immediate medical attention.

Dengue fever symptoms typically include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and pain behind the eyes. Picture: AFP

Those affected should rest, stay hydrated, and manage pain with acetaminophen (paracetamol) while avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. It is also crucial to monitor for severe symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if they arise.

To reduce the risk of contracting dengue fever, tourists should take precautions against mosquito bites.

Some measures include applying mosquito repellent, using coils in the late afternoon and evening, wearing loose, protective clothing, and ensuring accommodations have mosquito nets or mesh screens on windows and doors.

Originally published as Bali’s most popular tourist resorts record spike in dengue fever cases