Diagnostic challenges in COVID 19 and dengue co-infection: a case series report from tertiary care centers of Saudi Arabia - Report - MDSpire

Diagnostic challenges in COVID 19 and dengue co-infection: a case series report from tertiary care centers of Saudi Arabia

  • By

  • Ashwaq M. Al-Nazawi

  • Maseer Khan

  • Anjum Qadir

  • Rana Alghamdi

  • Alzahrani Ali Ahmed

  • Wafa Ali Hetany

  • Mohammad H. Alharbi

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Diagnostic Difficulties in Co-infection of COVID-19 and Dengue

Overview

This report analyzes the clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges of co-infection with COVID-19 and dengue in Saudi Arabia. Key findings indicate significant clinical overlap and misdiagnosis risks, emphasizing the need for accurate laboratory confirmation.

Background

The co-circulation of COVID-19 and dengue presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in endemic regions. The overlapping clinical features complicate diagnosis and management, leading to potential misdiagnoses and increased morbidity. Understanding these challenges is crucial for healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.

Data Highlights

{'hospitalization_duration': 'Specify the average duration in days for clarity.'}

Key Findings

{'misdiagnoses': 'Include a percentage or number of misdiagnoses to quantify the issue.'}

Clinical Implications

{'laboratory_tests': 'List specific tests such as RT-PCR, Dengue IgM, and NS1 antigen.'}

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis in co-infections of COVID-19 and dengue to mitigate misdiagnosis and improve patient care. Enhanced clinical awareness and laboratory confirmation are critical in managing these overlapping diseases.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- Comparative Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes After Dengue and SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: A Retrospective Cohort Investigation
  2. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- Epidemiological Insights into Dengue and COVID-19 Co-infection in Dhaka, Bangladesh (2021–2023): Findings from a Cross-sectional Analysis
  3. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- Health Care Usage and Expenses Following Acute and Postacute Dengue Infection: A Cohort Analysis Based on Population Data
  4. WHO, 2025 -- Laboratory testing for dengue virus: interim guidance, April 2025
  5. PMC, 2024 -- Cross-reactivity between dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: Confirmation study using specimens from dengue-infected patients before the COVID-19 pandemic
  6. Critical Care (Springer) — Severe dengue in adults admitted to intensive care units on réunion island: clinical spectrum, outcomes, and predictors of mortality
  7. Clinical Care of Dengue | Dengue | CDC
  8. Dengue - Global situation
  9. Laboratory testing for dengue virus: interim guidance, April 2025
  10. Cross-reactivity between dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: Confirmation study using specimens from dengue-infected patients before the COVID-19 pandemic - PMC

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