A young student’s holiday in Bali, Indonesia took a terrifying turn when what she initially dismissed as a hangover turned out to be a severe case of dengue fever. Cara Pyperwent, a 22-year-old student from Edinburgh, experienced symptoms including high temperature, headaches, muscle pain, and extreme fatigue, all common indicators of dengue.

During her holiday, a video captured by her friend, Abbi Whorriskey, showed Pyperwent displaying unusual movements in her sleep, leading her friend to joke about needing to call a priest. Pyperwent, unaware of the seriousness of her condition, attributed her symptoms to a hangover and attempted to continue sight-seeing.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Pyperwent shared, ‘It was hell at the time. I felt deathly unwell. About two weeks into our holiday, I literally just got overcome with this random sickness. I thought I was just run down because of the time difference or that it was maybe from drinking. I thought it was maybe just a hangover.’

Pyperwent’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing the symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, even in seemingly low-risk locations. Awareness and prompt medical attention are crucial in managing such illnesses and preventing potentially serious outcomes.