Beware Of Dengue Mimicry in Silent Spread Across Malaysia
Selangor, 20 Nov 2025 – As Malaysia navigates yet another wave of dengue outbreaks in 2024, medical experts are sounding the alarm—not only about rising case numbers, but also about the increasingly deceptive nature of the disease.
The Challenge of Asymptomatic and Misleading Symptoms
Healthcare providers are urged to remain vigilant for dengue infections, as the virus often manifests with misleading symptoms or asymptomatic, making early detection challenging.
According to experts, dengue is now endemic in Malaysia and not seasonal with cases occurring year-round across all states. Yet its ability to mimic other viral infections — such as influenza — and that up to 75 per cent of infections may be asymptomatic make early detection difficult.
DENGUE INFECTION KEY HIGLIGHT
DENGUE INFECTION KEY HIGLIGHT
- Up to 75% of infections may be asymptomatic
- Symptoms often mimic influenza and other viral infections
- Cases now occur year-round, not just seasonally
Prof Dr Zulkifli Ismail, chairman of Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM) urged clinicians to keep their differential diagnoses open.
“You cannot make a diagnosis just by looking at the patient or asking questions. That’s why the NS1 test is useful — it’s simple, available, and provides results within minutes for a small fee,” he said.
“What we encourage is for all doctors who have that (NS1 antigen test) in stock to use it early. It’s easier to manage when you can detect early because you know when to intervene by looking at subsequent blood tests,” he added.
Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi, clinical microbiologist at Universiti Putra Malaysia, described dengue as a “hyper-endemic”, noting that cases occur daily across the country — not just during perceived outbreaks.
“We see cases every day. Every now and then, you will see outbreaks. I think that is the misconception you see, that outbreak is what you perceive as seasonal. I hope that will correct the misconception,” Dr Zamberi Sekawi
Mosquito Resistance Weakens Traditional Fogging
The second article, “Evolving Aedes Mosquitoes In Malaysia Getting Smarter, Fog-Resistant,” highlights another alarming trend: “Aedes mosquitoes are becoming resistant to fogging chemicals traditionally used in vector control.” Entomologists note that “the mosquitoes are adapting faster than expected, changing their biting habits and developing resistance mechanisms.”
These dual challenges—diagnostic ambiguity and vector resistance—underscore the urgent need for proactive, rapid detection strategies.
RVR Dengue Combo Rapid Test Bridging the Gap in Early Detection
In response to the rising complexity of dengue outbreaks, Reszon Diagnostics International Sdn. Bhd. (“Reszon”) has introduced the RVR Dengue Combo NS1-IgG/IgM Rapid Test, designed for fast and accurate detection of dengue infection within 20 minutes.
The RVR Dengue Combo NS1 & IgG/IgM Rapid Test is a lateral flow immunoassay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of IgG anti–dengue virus, IgM anti-dengue virus and dengue antigen (Dengue NS1 antigen) in human serum, plasma or whole blood
Key Features
- Triple detection: NS1 antigen and IgG/IgM antibodies
- Specimen flexibility: Suitable for serum, plasma or whole blood
- Rapid: fast result in 20 minutes
- High sensitivity*: 0%
- High specificity*: 96.4%
*Refer to product insert for details
Full Spectrum Dengue Detection
- Early-stage primary infection: NS1 positive
- Late-stage primary infection: IgM and/or IgG positive
- Previous infection: IgG positive
- Acute secondary infection: NS1, IgG, and/or IgM positive
This rapid test helps identify dengue in its early, ambiguous stages—even when symptoms mimic other infections.
Supporting Malaysia’s National Dengue Strategy
We are humble to announce that The RVR Dengue Combo Rapid Test has been integrated into public health initiatives in Malaysia, supporting the nation’s strategy for timely dengue screening and outbreak control.
With the dengue virus spreading silently, rapid, multi-marker testing is the key to staying ahead of outbreaks.
Common Questions on How to Use RVR Dengue Combo
Unlock RVR Dengue Combo FAQ Guide and E-Brochure to access expert guidance on sample handling, troubleshooting and best practices for accurate dengue rapid testing in clinical settings. T&C Apply.
References:
- CodeBlue, 2025. Doctors Urged To Beware Of Dengue Mimicry In Silent Spread Across Malaysia. [online] Available at: https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2025/06/doctors-urged-to-beware-of-dengue-mimicry-in-silent-spread-across-malaysia/ [Accessed 23 July 2025].
- CodeBlue, 2025. Evolving Aedes Mosquitoes In Malaysia Getting Smarter, Fog-Resistant. [online] Available at: https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2025/06/evolving-aedes-mosquitoes-in-malaysia-getting-smarter-fog-resistant/ [Accessed 23 July 2025].
