Dengue Survivors Face 55% Greater Risk of Heart Issues Compared to COVID Patients

Dengue fever, a widespread vector-borne illness, is known for its severe short-term symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, and fatigue. Recent studies, however, have uncovered a troubling fact: people who recover from dengue fever face a much greater risk of long-term heart complications compared to those who have recovered from COVID-19. This emphasizes the importance of heightened awareness and preventive actions, especially in areas where dengue is common.

Unveiling the Long-Term Risks of Dengue Fever

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore has revealed that people who have recovered from dengue face a 55% higher risk of developing heart-related issues than those who have recovered from COVID-19. The heart complications identified include irregular heartbeats, heart disease, and the formation of blood clots, all of which pose serious threats to long-term health.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, examined the medical records and health tests of 11,707 individuals in Singapore who contracted dengue between July 2021 and October 2022. This data was then compared to the health outcomes of 1,248,326 residents who were infected with COVID-19 during the same period, primarily with the Delta and Omicron variants. The study’s findings underscore the potential for long-term health complications following dengue infection, which may surpass those associated with COVID-19.

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Dengue Versus COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis

The comparison between survivors of dengue and COVID-19 is crucial due to the global impact of both diseases. Although COVID-19 has received extensive media coverage and public health focus, dengue remains a significant health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Recent research indicates that dengue may present a greater risk for long-term cardiovascular health than COVID-19, despite the latter’s prominence.

Unique Study Conducted in Singapore

The research team took advantage of the simultaneous presence of both dengue and COVID-19 in Singapore to conduct this pioneering study. By examining the long-term health outcomes of individuals who recovered from these diseases, the researchers identified distinct risks associated with each. While both dengue and COVID-19 can lead to long-term health issues affecting the heart, nervous system, and immune system, dengue survivors showed a higher risk of heart complications.

Implications for Public Health and Future Strategies

These findings are vital for public health planning, especially in regions where dengue is prevalent. With climate change extending the range of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, healthcare systems are likely to face increased challenges. Assistant Professor Lim Jue Tao from NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine highlighted the importance of this research in shaping future public health strategies. “Dengue is a major vector-borne disease globally. Its long-term health impacts not only strain individuals but also healthcare systems. Comparing these effects with those of COVID-19 underscores the urgent need for better dengue prevention measures,” said Assistant Professor Lim.

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