A Case Study of Dual Infection of Dengue and COVID-19: Presenting as Multiorgan Dysfunction in an Infant

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Viral Co-infections
• Public Health Entomology

Background:

• Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, poses a significant threat in South Asia.
• Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe dengue manifestations, including plasma leakage and organ dysfunction.
• The co-occurrence of COVID-19 complicates dengue management in children, potentially altering disease trajectory.

Observation:

• A 9-month-old female infant presented with co-infection of dengue and COVID-19 during the pandemic.
• The infant developed critical symptoms including shock, encephalopathy, and elevated liver enzymes.
• This case highlights the challenges in managing severe co-infections in pediatric patients.

Findings:

• Despite severe illness, the infant demonstrated a remarkable recovery by day 14.
• Successful clinical management led to the resolution of shock, encephalopathy, and liver enzyme derangements.
• This case underscores the possibility of favorable outcomes even in complex pediatric co-infections.

Implications:

• Effective management protocols are crucial for infants with dengue and COVID-19 co-infection.
• Further research is needed to understand the synergistic effects of these viral infections in pediatric populations.
• This case provides valuable insights for clinicians managing similar co-infections in endemic regions.