Blue bruises led to dengue diagnosis after Maldives trip

A 26-year-old woman developed redness, dizziness and blue bruises during a Maldives holiday and was later diagnosed with dengue after returning to Germany; she spent 10 days in hospital and reports prolonged fatigue and weakness nearly two years later.

A 26-year-old woman fell ill during a birthday trip to the Maldives and developed redness, dizziness and blue bruises on her legs. She sought care in Dubai where a doctor initially thought it was flu. After returning to Germany, a GP specialising in tropical diseases referred her to hospital where she was diagnosed with dengue. She was admitted for 10 days and says she still experiences long-term fatigue and weakness nearly two years later. Key facts: - The patient travelled to the Maldives in May 2024 and became unwell several days into her stay. - Symptoms described include joint pain, blotchy red patches, dizziness and blue bruises on the legs. - A doctor in Dubai initially diagnosed flu; German medical staff later confirmed dengue and hospitalised her. - She spent 10 days in hospital and required several weeks to regain independent walking; she reports ongoing fatigue and inability to work about 18 months after the illness. - The article notes dengue is a mosquito-borne infection and that there is no specific antiviral treatment, with recovery times varying and severe cases potentially life-threatening. Summary: The illness resulted in hospital admission and prolonged physical impairment for the woman, who reports persistent weakness and reduced ability to work nearly two years on. Undetermined at this time.