Symptoms of COVID and Dengue: Similarities that are posing a challenge in the detection of the exact disease

Introduction

Dengue and Coronavirus are both viruses causing overlap of signs and symptoms making them difficult to identify and diagnose. While Dengue is a vector-borne disease acquired by infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito which is also responsible for zika virus, yellow fever, and Chikungunya fever. Coronavirus is primarily caused by human to the human transmission when you come in contact with infected person secretions. Both these diseases are preventable and usually cause mild self-limiting to severe life-threatening disease.

Dengue Fever

Dengue is called a broken bone causing severe joint pains, muscle aches, and vomiting. The classical feature of dengue is retro-orbital pain( Behind the eyes ) causing head, nausea, and vomiting. Bleeding from gums, upper gastrointestinal bleeds and rashes from low platelets count are typical of Dengue fever. History of mosquito bites and geographical distribution also help in distinguishing Dengue fever from COVID-19.

COVID-19

COVID-19 infection causes predominantly respiratory symptoms and spreads through respiratory droplets of the infected person. The virus affects the upper and lower respiratory tract causing mild flu-like symptoms to the life-threatening condition of ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). Shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, sore throat, and cough are identical to COVID-19 infection. While bleeding, respiratory failure, and disorientation can be seen in COVID-19 infection in severe cases, dengue hemorrhagic fever can present with similar symptoms.COVID-19 patient can be traced to a contact who had an infection earlier which also helps us with the diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Dilama :

During this ongoing pandemic with monsoon setting in differentiating and early diagnosis is going to pose a great challenge.COVID-19 patients recovering from illness can continue to test positive on RT-PCR for weeks after infection leading to confusion and the possibility of the existence of both Dengue and Coronavirus infection. We will have to rely on other blood tests such as platelets in making the right diagnosis of Dengue or COVID-19 infection. While the search is on for an effective vaccine and drug, preventing infection is the key.

Prevention

Dengue infection can be prevented by eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around houses, wearing full sleeves shirts and long pants, use mosquito repellents and closed doors and windows during the evening to prevent mosquitoes.
Coronavirus can be prevented by using a mask in public places, hand hygiene with sanitiser or washing hands, practising social distancing of 2 meters, avoiding public places and gathering and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your unclean hands. Dengue fever is going to be challenging during an ongoing pandemic of COVID-19. Good news is both are self-limiting and most of the patients recover without any complications. Let us be safe this monsoon and keep away Dengue and Covid-19 at bay.