Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 20 Jul 2024
What Is The New, Extremely Rare Neurological Complication Of Zika Virus A Patient From Pune Has Reported?
Even though the Zika infection is usually mild, having co-morbidities can cause various neurological complications
A 61-year-old man from Pune suffering from the Zika virus has reported a new, yet extremely rare neurological complication, according to doctors. Experts say that the virus infection in the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF of the patient has been confirmed by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology. “This is the first case in a country which has reported Zika meningoencephalitis in a patient. Till now, similar neurological complications were reported in countries like USA and Brazil,” said Dr. Ameet Dravid, infectious diseases expert at Noble Hospital and Research Centre, who is treating the patient.
According to Dr. Dravid, the patient has been diagnosed with meningoencephalitis - a condition that inflames and infects both the tissues in the meninges and the brain.
News reports say the patient was admitted to the hospital earlier this month after he complained of high fever, headache, body aches, and severe diarrhoea. Despite a series of investigations and tests, he could not be diagnosed, but he collapsed later and went into a coma. He was then rushed to the ICU for further management and was intubated. His blood samples later were sent for a tropical fever panel test, and he tested positive for the Zika virus.
“To rule out brain infection, the test for tuberculosis, routine viruses, bacterial and fungal infections that cause brain infection were carried out, but all tests were negative. Finally, the cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for Zika virus infection,” he said.
What can cause meningoencephalitis in Zika virus patients?
According to doctors, even though the Zika virus infection is usually mild, having co-morbidities like high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism due to age, can lead to various neurological complications, including meningoencephalitis.
What are the signs and symptoms of meningoencephalitis?
A few symptoms of meningoencephalitis, which the doctors say typically develop and progress quickly, include:
- Severe headache, stiff neck and pain
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Speech issues
- Developing sensitivity to light
- Difficulty in thinking clearly
- Changes in personality and behaviour
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Risk factors for meningoencephalitis
According to experts, a few risk factors for developing meningoencephalitis are extremely high in those:
- Those who have a weakened immune system, include children under the age of five years and people over 65 years of age.
- Those infected with HIV
- Those who take immunosuppressants for autoimmune diseases
- Those receiving cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Those addicted to alcohol
- If you are immunocompromised, talk to your doctor about ways to stay healthy and decrease your risk of serious infections.