Case Report: Dengue and COVID-19 Coinfection in Thailand

We report a 50-year-old Thai woman with recent travel to Denmark who presented with acute high-grade fever, vomiting, and myalgia for 1 day. Initial laboratory results revealed leukopenia, elevated aspartate transaminase, and elevated alanine transaminase. Chest radiograph showed no pulmonary infiltration. Reverse transcriptase-PCR (RTPCR) of the nasopharyngeal swab detected SARS-CoV-2, and RT-PCR of the blood detected dengue virus serotype 2. COVID-19 with dengue fever co-infection was diagnosed. Her symptoms were improved with supportive treatment. Integration of clinical manifestations, history of exposure, laboratory profiles, and dynamic of disease progression assisted the physicians in precise diagnosis. Co-circulating and nonspecific presentations of dengue infection and COVID-19 challenge the healthcare system in tropical countries. To solve this threat, multi-sector strategies are required, including public health policy, development of accurate point-of-care testing, and proper prevention for both diseases.

Automated summary

This case report details a 50-year-old Thai woman with recent travel to Denmark who was diagnosed with co-infection of COVID-19 and dengue fever. The patient's symptoms improved with supportive treatment, and accurate diagnosis was achieved by integrating clinical manifestations, exposure history, laboratory testing, and disease progression dynamics. The co-circulation and nonspecific presentations of dengue and COVID-19 highlight challenges in tropical countries and call for multi-sector strategies to address this threat effectively.