How did malaria and dengue fever affect the defenders of Bataan?

During the Battle of Bataan, Allied defenders were severely weakened by malaria, dengue fever, and other diseases. These illnesses, combined with a lack of air or naval support and a diet reduced to monkey meat and minimal rice, left the troops sick, enervated, and starving as they held their position for 99 days.1

This state of physical exhaustion significantly impacted the soldiers' ability to endure the subsequent Bataan Death March, as many were already battle-worn and incapable of maintaining the grueling pace required by their captors. Those who fell behind due to such sickness were often subjected to brutal treatment, including being bayoneted, shot, or beheaded by Japanese soldiers.1