Background: Severity of dengue infection comprises virus virulence, genetics, infection types, age, nutritional status, and history of co-existing diseases. The study aimed to identify the most common characteristics of dengue patient according to the severity of infection in West Java province. Methods: This cross sectional design data was obtained from 46 samples taken with purposive sampling technique. Data of dengue virus infection severity were obtained from medical records of patients; type of infection was determined by rapid diagnostic test examination at Loka Litbang P2B2 Ciamis; and examination of blood serum sample used reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine serotype of dengue virus patients. Data were analyzed by cross tabulation to describe distribution frequency between two variables. Results: Most common characteristics of severe dengue patients were women secondary infection scores 37 (80.4%) from 46 dengue patients and 2 (5.5%) patients categorized as severe dengue. Based on serotype, Den-3 serotype dominated scores 26 (56.5%) and 3 people (11.52%) include severe dengue. Conclusion: The most common characteristics of dengue patients at five hospitals in West Java province based on severity of dengue virus infection was dominated by secondary infection and Den-3 serotype. (Health Science Indones 2010; 1: 14 - 19)