**Traveller’s Ordeal: Teacher Left Bedridden After Suspected Mosquito-Borne Illness in the Philippines**
A globe-trotting school teacher found herself virtually immobilised following a severe bout of suspected dengue fever while backpacking through South East Asia. Laura Angulo’s journey, intended to be an adventure across the Philippines, took a worrying turn when she became ‘unable to sit up’, leaving her confined to bed for weeks.
The 29-year-old, originally from Spain but now living on Australia’s Gold Coast, began her trip in high spirits, visiting the tropical island of Palawan. Her adventure quickly soured when she started experiencing overwhelming fatigue and general malaise. “I just couldn’t summon the energy to even sit up on the beach,” she recounted, describing the moment she realised something was seriously wrong.
The situation escalated rapidly when Laura began vomiting. Realising this could be more than just typical travel sickness, Laura and her travel companions sought medical help. “I was aware that illnesses like dengue fever are prevalent in tropical countries like the Philippines, so when the symptoms worsened, I went to a local doctor,” she told reporters.
After initial blood tests, Laura was alarmed to hear that her platelet count had dropped to dangerously low levels, a key warning sign of dengue infection. Doctors explained that while a later test did not confirm the virus, the low platelet count strongly suggested she had contracted it. “Hearing that made the danger real. I was genuinely frightened and called my parents back in Spain. They asked me to come home, but my cousin and sister were already there, supporting me,” Laura recalled.
Amidst her uncertainty, Laura had to return to the clinic for daily tests. One of the more serious complications of dengue is internal bleeding, which meant medics monitored her condition closely. During this period, her symptoms intensified; bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea made it difficult for her to eat anything more than small portions of rice and chicken, accompanied by saline solution to remain hydrated.
Despite her ongoing illness, travel plans meant Laura had to relocate to another island. The move did little to help her recovery. “I was struggling for weeks, and by the end of it, I’d lost about 10kg,” she explained. Full confirmation of the disease was never obtained, but medics maintained their suspicions due to her blood results and symptoms.
As she gradually recuperated, Laura began warning followers of her experiences on social media, where she has a large audience across Instagram and TikTok. She educated followers about dengue fever, describing it as a virus transmitted via mosquito bites. Notably, she outlined the risks of repeat infection: “There are four types of the dengue virus. If you contract one, getting another strain later increases the risks, including severe complications and even the possibility of death if two types are contracted at the same time.”
Despite her ordeal, Laura maintains a positive outlook on her travels, even recommending the Philippines as a worthwhile destination when proper precautions are taken. She stresses the importance of preparation: “Get vaccinated if possible, always pack mosquito repellent and basic medicines, and never travel without insurance.”
Her advice underscores the significance of being well-informed before travelling to regions where tropical diseases are a risk. As foreign travel increases, both medical professionals and frequent travellers recommend checking health guidance and staying vigilant about mosquito-borne illnesses.
Laura’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the unpredictable nature of adventure abroad. For many, her experience is a stark reminder of the need to travel sensibly, respecting both the opportunities and risks that come with exploring new countries.
This recent episode highlights broader concerns about the spread of tropical diseases due to increased international movement, and the importance of robust travel health education—something Laura Angulo now champions among her followers and fellow explorers.