Co-infection of dengue virus and chikungunya virus in two patients with acute febrile illness

During an outbreak of chikungunya in a dengue hyperendemic area within the Kinta district of Perak, two patients with acute febrile illness were laboratory confirmed to have co-infection of both dengue and chikungunya viruses in their blood. The concomitant presence of two types of viruses transmitted by the same vector in a susceptible population contributed to the resultant event. A good understanding of virus vector ecology in association with population dynamics and wider application of improved laboratory techniques by using different cell-lines suited for optimal replication of each type of virus and the correct utilization of powerful molecular techniques will enhance accurate diagnosis of these infectious diseases.