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Tropical Disease Strikes Dream Maldives Getaway
11 Jan
Summary
- Dengue illness struck a young woman during her dream birthday trip.
- Initial flu diagnosis in Dubai was incorrect; symptoms worsened.
- The illness left her unable to walk for weeks and with lasting fatigue.
A dream birthday getaway to the Maldives for 26-year-old Gina Donner quickly turned into a nightmare after she contracted dengue fever. What initially presented as flu-like symptoms worsened, leading to a misdiagnosis in Dubai. Upon her return to Germany, Gina was confirmed to have dengue, an infection transmitted by mosquitoes.
The severe illness necessitated a 10-day hospital stay and left Gina unable to walk unaided for three weeks. Even eighteen months later, she continues to experience persistent fatigue and weakness, significantly affecting her professional life as an online marketer.
Gina's experience highlights the potential dangers of mosquito-borne diseases in tropical destinations. She advises travelers to the Maldives to take comprehensive precautions against mosquito bites, including using insect repellent and nets, as awareness of such risks and preventative measures was not clearly communicated at her hotel.
