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Researchers in Singapore studied two patients who tested positive for dengue fever. In the course of the research, it turned out that the result was false-positive and the patients were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which produces symptoms similar to dengue fever.
Infection with SARS-CoV-2 resembles dengue disease
In the medical journal The Lancet, researchers from Singapore described two clinical cases of patients with false-positive results of rapid serology tests for dengue virus, who were later diagnosed with severe infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing COVID-19.
Dengue fever is the viral disease most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue symptoms appear about 3-14 days after a mosquito bite. These include sudden onset fever, headache, weakness and muscle pain. About 50 percent. patients also have a rash. Most cases of dengue disease are diagnosed in Asia.
The first case is a 57-year-old man who has not traveled and contacted people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. He was admitted to hospital on February 9 with a fever and cough that lasted three days. Initially, dengue antibody testing was negative. The man was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia and the chest radiograph showed no changes.
The patient left the hospital, but his condition continued to deteriorate. Another anti-dengue antibody test was positive. The man with severe shortness of breath and cough was sent to the hospital. After the X-ray examination, it was decided to undergo tests for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The test came out positive. In-depth studies also tested negative for dengue, chikungunya, and zika.
The second case described by Singaporean scientists concerns a 57-year-old woman who came to the hospital with a fever, muscle aches, cough and diarrhea. In her case, the rapid dengue test was also positive. Two days later, her condition worsened. After subsequent tests, including the positive SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus test, the patient underwent appropriate treatment.
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False positive dengue tests can be a risk
Scientists note that failure to test for COVID-19 because of a positive dengue test may have consequences not only for one patient, but also for everyone who has been in contact with it. Doctors emphasize the need for quick, sensitive, and readily available diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2.
Asia has the highest number of cases of dengue diagnosis. Confusing it with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection can be dangerous because dengue, unlike COVID-19, is not transmitted by airborne droplets. These patients tested positive for dengue disease and were sent home where they could continue to contract the coronavirus before receiving another diagnosis.
The most important information about the coronavirus:
- COVID-19 Coronavirus Coverage [Updated MAP]
- GIS issues a warning to seniors. She recommends avoiding public places
- Coronavirus fake news. They spread rapidly
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.