Triple Co-infection with Plasmodium vivax, Dengue, and SARS-CoV-2 Presenting as Sepsis in a Young Adult in the United Arab Emirates: A Detailed Case Report

Co-infections with tropical and viral pathogens pose a major diagnostic challenge, especially when symptoms overlap. While co-infections of malaria and dengue are well known in regions where these diseases are common, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection adds another layer of complexity. Such triple infections are rarely seen in the United Arab Emirates. In this case report, we describe a 23-year-old man who came in with a prolonged fever, muscle pain, and respiratory symptoms and was initially treated for sepsis at Emirates International Hospital, Al ain. The lab tests confirmed he had Plasmodium vivax malaria, dengue IgM positivity, and SARS-CoV-2 was detected within 24 hours of his admission. Despite high levels of inflammatory markers, the patient stayed hemodynamically stable and showed no signs of organ dysfunction. He received care in the intensive care unit with isolation measures and supportive treatment, leading to gradual improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering multiple concurrent infections in patients with compatible epidemiological exposure and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach in febrile illnesses.