Concurrent COVID-19 and dengue with hyperferritinaemia: A case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Medicine
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts tropical regions with endemic dengue fever.
• Both diseases share overlapping clinical and laboratory features, complicating diagnosis.
• Hyperferritinaemia is linked to severe COVID-19 outcomes and dengue-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

Observation:

• A case of coinfection with COVID-19 and dengue fever was observed.
• The patient presented with hyperferritinaemia, a marker of severity in both diseases.
• The case occurred at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Sabah, Malaysia.

Findings:

• This case report details a coinfection scenario of COVID-19 and dengue.
• Hyperferritinaemia was a significant finding in this coinfection.
• The presentation underscores diagnostic complexities in co-endemic areas.

Implications:

• Highlights the diagnostic challenges of co-occurring COVID-19 and dengue infections.
• Emphasizes the clinical significance of hyperferritinaemia in coinfection.
• Informs clinical management strategies for patients in tropical regions facing dual viral threats.