PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (Sep 2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic should not jeopardize dengue control.

  • Marie-Marie Olive,
  • Thierry Baldet,
  • James Devillers,
  • Johanna Fite,
  • Marie-Claire Paty,
  • Christophe Paupy,
  • Philippe Quénel,
  • Elsa Quillery,
  • Jocelyn Raude,
  • Jean-Paul Stahl,
  • Marie Thiann-Bo-Morel,
  • David Roiz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008716
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 9
p. e0008716

Abstract

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The concurrent circulation of dengue and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may produce many unfavourable outcomes-such as co-infections; delays in diagnosis, treatment, and mitigation measures; overwhelming of the healthcare system; underreporting of cases; deterioration in surveillance and control interventions; and exacerbation of social inequalities. Indeed, lockdown is greatly compromising the effectiveness of vector control, especially social mobilization campaigns and preventive insecticide spraying in private spaces (indoor and peridomestic spraying). Thus, failure to appropriately implement the full range of vector control interventions can lead to a reduction in their overall effectiveness and an increasing risk of vector-borne diseases circulating. Consequently, the health community and policy makers should develop proactive policies and allocate adequate resources to prevent and manage the resurgence of dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the new era of COVID-19.