Dengue Lurks During Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: A Narrative Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most attention and healthcare resources in Indonesia have been geared toward battling the coronavirus (CoV) disease (COVID)-19 pandemic, and less overture has been given to the looming risks of dengue that has been endemic in many areas of Indonesia. Despite related constraints, the Primary Health Cares (PHC) in Indonesia plays an important role in the face of emergency situations.
 AIM: This study aimed to review the dengue and COVID-19 infection, clinical manifestations in children and adults, clinical pathology findings, as well as the prevention strategies that could be applied in PHC.
 METHODS: This study is a narrative review based on the research articles and reports that were published between 2010 and 2020. A total of 70 articles and reports were obtained and after careful consideration, 58 articles and reports were used as references of this study.
 RESULTS: Both dengue virus (DENV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV (SARS-CoV-2) share the similarity of antigenic structure, common symptoms, and laboratory findings. The immune response in SARS-CoV-2 may cause a cytokine storm, which can increase vascular permeability and organ damage. Secondary infection of DENV with different strains may allow the occurrence of antibody-dependent enhancement. The cross-reactions between SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and DENV antigens may cause false positive on rapid dengue infection serological tests.
 CONCLUSION: PHC as the front line of health services has a fundamental role in the crisis situation. The prevention and control of DENV and SARS-CoV-2 infections are based on the mode of transmission and need compliance to the related health protocols.