Dengue and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection: A case series from Sri Lanka and literature review

Abstract

Background: The spreading of COVID 19 pandemic in Dengue endemic tropical countries such as Sri Lanka has increased the risk of dual outbreaks as well as the risk of Dengue and COVID 19 coinfection. Such coinfections are clinically challenging as Dengue and COVID 19 show similarities in symptoms and laboratory findings. Case presentation: This is a case series of four patients presented to a COVID 19 treatment hospital, Sri Lanka. All four patients were diagnosed to have Dengue and COVID 19 coinfection, while two of them were complicated with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Fluid resuscitation according to the dengue management guideline and supportive treatments improved their clinical symptoms and all recovered fully. Conclusion: Here, we emphasize the similar clinical symptoms and laboratory findings in COVID 19 and Dengue infections and the importance of extensive diagnostic workup and timely management. Raising awareness among health care providers as well as the public is necessary to face upcoming challenges during the COVID 19 pandemic especially in dengue-endemic countries. Keywords: COVID 19; dengue; SARS-CoV-2; covid -19; co-infection.