Clinical Report: Epidemiology of Dengue and COVID-19 Co-infection in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Overview

A cross-sectional study of 2458 participants in Dhaka from 2021 to 2023 found a 31% co-infection rate of dengue and COVID-19. Co-infected individuals exhibited higher severity of symptoms, increased long-term illness, and greater risk of organ damage compared to those with single infections.

Background

Dengue and COVID-19 are significant public health concerns in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, a dengue-endemic region with high population density. Despite COVID-19 vaccination efforts, no effective dengue vaccine exists, complicating disease control. The overlapping circulation of both viruses poses increased health risks, yet epidemiological data on co-infection remain limited. This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap by investigating co-prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of dengue and COVID-19 co-infection in Dhaka.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 31% of participants were co-infected with dengue and COVID-19.
• Co-infection was most frequent in Jatrabari (14%) and Motijhil (11%) areas of Dhaka.
• Participants over 50 years showed significantly higher rates of severe (65%) and very severe (78%) symptoms.
• Co-infected individuals had increased long-term illness prevalence (35%) compared to COVID-19 only (28%).
• Co-infection was associated with higher rates of heart damage (31.6%), brain fog (22%), and kidney damage (49.3%).
• Area of residence, family size, and population density were significant risk factors for co-infection.
• Co-infected participants had a fourfold increased risk of developing severe health conditions.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be vigilant for co-infection in dengue-endemic regions during COVID-19 outbreaks, especially in high-density urban areas like Dhaka. Older patients and those with co-infection require close monitoring for severe symptoms and organ damage. Public health interventions should consider household size and population density as factors to mitigate co-infection risk.

Conclusion

This study highlights the substantial burden and severity of dengue and COVID-19 co-infection in Dhaka, emphasizing the need for integrated surveillance and targeted clinical management strategies to reduce morbidity and long-term complications.

References

1. Bangladesh COVID-19 Data 2024 -- National Health Reports
2. WHO Dengue Guidelines -- Epidemiology and Control
3. Jahangirnagar University Ethical Approval 2021 -- Study Protocol