An Unusual Dual Coinfection of Dengue Fever and COVID-19 in India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rationale—Our article reaffirms challenges associated with diagnosing COVID-19 in areas hyperendemic for tropical infections with overlapping presentations such as dengue. Patient Concerns—A 47-year-old male healthcare provider, previously diagnosed with COVID-19 infection five months prior, presented with fever, dry cough, and generalized weakness for three days. He had completed vaccination for COVID-19 two weeks prior to his illness and was on medications for diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, he had a history of COVID infection which followed a mild course five months prior to the current symptoms. Diagnosis—Investigations revealed a positive test on COVID-19 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) as well as for dengue NS1 antigen, while his anti–severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) IgG antibodies were measured at 38 × 103 AU/ml (Normal—<12.0). Outcome—The patient was treated with supportive therapy and monitored with daily platelet counts which normalized on the fifth day of treatment. Thus, the known potential for repeat dengue infections and the possibility for repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections add further complications and must be incorporated into triage and hospital protocols.