Dengue amid COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The increasing in dengue cases nowadays is a global threat concern. Fifty per cent of the world’s population is vulnerable to dengue infection with Asia contributing over two-thirds of the global burden. The double trouble of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) arising from novel severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and dengue virus is a major challenge, particularly in developing countries due to overburdened public health systems and economic constraints including the ability to diagnose. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of dengue in Thailand during the outbreak of COVID-19. We studied data on dengue cases reported at epidemiological information centers, the Bureau of Epidemiology, and the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand during 2019 to 2021. Patients can be observed across all age groups, particularly adolescents and adults. Dengue was seen year-round, with highest incidence in the rainy seasons between June and September. Total number of cases was markedly declined by nearly 93 percentage from 2019 to 2011. Taken together, Thailand is still at risk of spreading of dengue in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. Continuous status updates on dengue patients in Thailand should be incorporated into global health advisory on preventive measures before travelling.