Coinfection of Malaria and Dengue Fever in Patients With Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illnesses in Ghana: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Malaria and dengue fever are coendemic vector-borne diseases transmitted by Anopheles and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, respec tively, and are significant causes of acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) in Ghana. Evidence from Africa suggests an increasing prevalence of malaria-dengue fever coinfection, and such coinfections may result in more severe clinical outcomes, though data specific to Ghana remain limited. This narrative review explores the prevalence, diagnostic challenges, and public health implications of malaria and dengue fever coinfections among AUFI patients in Ghana. This review highlights the critical need for integrated diagnostics, enhanced surveillance, and clinical awareness to improve patient outcomes and mitigate the dual burden of these coendemic vector-borne diseases.