Dengue in COVID 19 pandemic year 2020- Enquiry into the unanswered question of 2020?

Abstract

Introduction: India along with the world is facing one of the worst pandemic in recent times with COVID-19. Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in dengue virus (DENV)–endemic areas has raised concern regarding coinfection with the two viruses Difficulty in distinguishing dengue and COVID-19, particularly during the acute stage, can engender inaccurate diagnoses. Objectives: To study the trends in Dengue infections during the COVID 19 pandemic and previous 2 years. Materials & Methods: A retrospective study considering all the Dengue serology tests over the period of 3 years was considered. Dengue serology tests by Dengue Rapid card, COVID RT PCR, COVID 19 IgM & IgG. Results: Spiking of cases in alternate year in Karnataka. 2250, 5070,2284 samples processed fro Dengue in 2018,2019 & 2020. The positive percentage was 10.3% in the year 2019. Dengue NS1 & IgM positive cases were more as the cases seeked support of healthcare at the initial phase of fever. Environmental factors did not have a significant role to play in the state. Conclusion: Study on cellular & immunolgical mechanisms of COVID 19 virus will lead to improved diagnsotic modalities and correct interpretation of test results preventing fatal outcomes. Encouraging vaccination for COVID-19 will reduce fatal outcomes.