Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Maharashtra. And so, doctors have raised alarm about a lesser-known but potentially deadly aspect of the disease.

While dengue - a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus, prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, is usually associated with fever, body aches, rash, vomiting, and fatigue, experts say it can also severely impact your brain and nervous system, leading to ischemic strokes - a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, preventing blood from reaching brain tissue.

“Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) is characterized by severe plasma leakage, which can lead to hypovolemic shock and compromise blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. In such cases, the reduced blood flow and potential coagulopathy associated with severe dengue can increase the risk of ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke,” Dr. Lomesh Bhirud, Neurologist and Neuro-Interventionist, Ruby Hall Clinic, told Times Now.

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. Even though most cases of dengue are mild and can be managed symptomatically, a few severe ones can lead to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and DSS – both of which are life-threatening.

According to Dr. Bhirud, since dengue virus is neurotropic – as it has an affinity for the nervous system, it breaches the blood-brain barrier and can affect by:

The virus invades and damages nerve cells, disrupting their function

Inflammation is caused by your body’s immune response to the virus within the brain and spinal cord, further damaging tissue.

In many severe cases, dengue leads to thrombocytopenia or low platelet count which significantly heights the risk of bleeding within the brain

According to Dr. Bhirud, a few symptoms of an impending stroke, apart from the classic flu-like signs of dengue may include:

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding speech
• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Sudden severe headache
• Sudden trouble seeing from one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination

Experts say these symptoms add a new layer of urgency to dengue prevention and treatment efforts, as the neurological complications cause long-lasting effects or can even be fatal. “Understanding these potential complications underscores the importance of early diagnosis, prompt medical intervention, and supportive care in managing severe dengue cases. Continued research is essential to further elucidate the mechanisms linking dengue fever to neurological manifestations and strokes, ultimately improving patient outcomes,” said Dr. Bhirud.

Preventing dengue transmission is the most effective way to avoid neurological complications, a few of which include:

It is important to control and eliminate mosquitoes through habitat elimination, insecticide spraying, and using mosquito nets and repellents

A dengue vaccine has been developed and is being deployed in some countries

Dr. Bhirud also calls for vigilance to check for DSS in those suffering from dengue. “Clinicians managing patients with severe dengue fever should be vigilant for neurological symptoms, especially in cases progressing to DHF or DSS. Early recognition and management of these complications are crucial to prevent adverse outcomes, including neurological sequelae like stroke,” he added.