Long-Term Health Risks of Dengue Compared to COVID-19

This research article presents findings from a nationwide study conducted by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, which investigates the long-term health risks associated with recovery from dengue compared to COVID-19. The study analyzed medical claim records and health data of 11,707 dengue patients and 1,248,326 COVID-19 patients, focusing on health complications that arose 31 to 300 days post-infection. Results indicate that individuals recovering from dengue have a significantly higher risk of developing long-term health issues, including a 55% increased risk of heart complications and a 213% increased risk of cognitive or memory disorders compared to those recovering from COVID-19. The research highlights the necessity for public health planning and post-acute management of dengue patients, particularly in light of the increasing geographic spread of dengue due to climate change. The study also notes limitations, such as its focus on adults and the exclusion of pediatric populations, and suggests future research directions to explore the economic impact of these long-term health complications.