Background: Malaria and Dengue, transmitted by the Female Anopheles and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes respectively, are significant global health concerns. Recent improvements in sanitation and mosquito control have reduced malaria cases in several parts of India. However, areas where both vectors coexist pose a risk of concurrent infections, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Falciparum malaria and Dengue are known for their severe complications, including cerebral malaria and bleeding tendencies due to reduced platelet count.
Case presentation: A 60-year-old patient presented with high-grade fever, severe headache, body aches, and dehydration. Despite prior treatment at a village clinic, the symptoms persisted and worsened. Upon admission, the patient exhibited high fever, rapid pulse, and mild dehydration. Further examination revealed no respiratory or cardiac issues, but severe headache persisted despite fever reduction. Symptomatic management commenced while awaiting test results. Lab reports indicated a positive result for P. falciparum antigen via immunochromatography.
Conclusion: This case underscores the necessity of testing for both malaria and Dengue in cases of acute high-grade fever to avoid missed diagnoses and untreated severe complications. Coinfection of P. falciparum and Dengue can intensify the severity and duration of both diseases, challenging accurate diagnosis and management. Vigilance in testing and reporting such cases is crucial for effective public health responses. The first documented case of malaria and Dengue coinfection dates back to 2005, highlighting the emerging nature of this phenomenon.
Aedes aegypti, dengue, elisa, fever, malaria, Plasmodium falciparum
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