Dengue amid COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Dengue fever poses a significant global health threat, with Asia bearing a substantial burden.
• The co-occurrence of dengue and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a dual challenge, especially for developing nations with strained healthcare systems.
• Accurate diagnosis and disease surveillance are critical in managing these infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the prevalence of dengue in Thailand during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
• To understand the epidemiological trends of dengue in Thailand from 2019 to 2021.
• To assess the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on dengue case numbers in Thailand.

Main Methods:

• Data on dengue cases were collected from epidemiological information centers, the Bureau of Epidemiology, and the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand.
• The study period spanned from 2019 to 2021, encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Analysis included patient demographics, age distribution, and seasonal incidence patterns.

Main Results:

• Dengue cases were reported across all age groups, with a notable prevalence in adolescents and adults.
• The highest incidence of dengue occurred during the rainy season, from June to September.
• A substantial decline of nearly 93% in total dengue cases was observed from 2019 to 2021.

Conclusions:

• Thailand continues to face a risk of dengue transmission amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Despite a significant decrease in reported cases, ongoing surveillance is essential.
• Regular updates on dengue status in Thailand should inform global health advisories for travelers.