1 Introduction:
The devastating impact of pandemics is often compounded by the presence
of co-infections, which can significantly increase mortality rates [1,
2]. A notable example is the Spanish Flu of 1918, where many deaths
were attributed to secondary infections occurring alongside the primary
respiratory viral pathogen, leading to more severe outcomes [3].
Fast forward to the recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2,
originating in Wuhan, China, similar concerns around co-infections
persist [4]. Recent studies indicate that up to 50% of
COVID-19-related deaths involve secondary bacterial infections,
prompting empirical antimicrobial treatment in a significant percentage
of hospitalized patients to mitigate the risk of co-infections, despite
challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance [5,6].
In addition to bacterial co-infections, cases of fungal co-infections
alongside SARS-CoV-2 have also been documented, highlighting the
complexity and challenges associated with managing multiple infections
during major respiratory outbreaks [7,8].
It is worth noting the importance of studying and understanding the
impact of co-infections, particularly involving viruses from different
groups, which remains an area that requires further exploration,
especially in the context of major respiratory infection outbreaks [9
- 12]. Moreover, the timing of the COVID-19 outbreak during the
monsoon season, when diseases like dengue fever are prevalent in
tropical regions, including countries like Sudan [13 - 20], adds
another layer of complexity [21]. Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes
mosquitoes and caused by one of four arbovirus serotypes, has been a
growing concern due to its rapid spread and impact on public health
[15 - 20].
In Sudan specifically, the surge in dengue fever cases in 2023 posed
significant public health challenges [9]. Managing cases of
simultaneous infections from different virus groups, such as
Coronaviruses and Flaviviruses, requires a well-coordinated and
effective approach to ensure successful outcomes in such complex
scenarios. In this communication we reported on patient who concurrently
had COVID-19 and Dengue fever, which was effectively managed in the
COVID-19 unit