Yet a new study has discovered dire long-term health consequences for those who survive dengue fever. These survivors have a higher chance of developing complications and dying even years after acute infection. Recent studies found that organ complications are more common among dengue survivors. More than just anachronism, this finding points to the overall and immediate need for successful, large-scale comprehensive care models.
The analysis period was between 31 and 300 days following the first dengue infection. In fact, a 2021 study found dengue survivors to have a 1.22 adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for all-cause hospitalization. This results in them having a three to four times higher risk of requiring hospitalization compared to those who have not been infected. If that were the only outcome, it would be bad enough. These survivors experience a risk of mortality that is 2.08 times greater.
Vulnerability Among Specific Demographics
Age and sex aside, the findings show that certain demographics are more vulnerable to the harmful impact of dengue. Older adults—especially people 61 years and older—show increased susceptibility. Moreover, men survivors of dengue demonstrate greater risks than females as well.
Patients who already have other medical conditions are disproportionately impacted. The research drives home that existing health conditions add to the perils confronting dengue survivors. Infection with some serotypes, specifically DENV-2 and DENV-3, results in greater risk of complications.
“Dengue has one of the highest global burdens of disease amongst all vector-borne diseases,” – study authors
Complications Across Multiple Organ Systems
Dengue survivors suffer from a wide range of dengue complications with negative effects on many organ systems. What the study shows is a 19% increased risk of any complications occurring. In particular, it depicts a 46% increase in cardiovascular complications, with adjusted hazard ratio of 1.46. Additionally, neuropsychiatric complications are common, carrying a 29% higher risk (aHR of 1.29). Perhaps most striking, the risk of developing impaired cognition is an aHR of 1.66.
Gastritis is the second most serious concern, as survivors have a 48% increased risk (aHR of 1.48). The most shocking statistic is for renal complications, with survivors 2.30 times as likely to experience that complication (aHR 2.30). In addition, autoimmune disease had a 37% higher risk (aHR of 1.37).
Need for Comprehensive Care Strategies
The implications of these findings, particularly mood and stigma, highlight the need for better healthcare approaches for dengue survivors. Researchers urge the creation of multidisciplinary care plans to focus on reducing chronic health complications that can happen after someone is infected with dengue.
“Increased risk of long-term sequelae post-dengue infection across multiple organ systems may reflect the systemic nature of acute dengue infection,” – researchers
They stress that recognizing these long-term risks is crucial in reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
“Development of multidisciplinary care strategies to reduce chronic health loss post-dengue infection is crucial,” – researchers
