Dengue Fever in Bengaluru: Experts Say Disease Can Affect Brain, Health Dept on ALERT

Dengue fever cases in Bengaluru crossed the 9000 mark on Sunday, according to the health department. Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus and spread by mosquitoes, commonly features high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Recently, there has been a concerning rise in neurological complications associated with dengue fever. 

These neurological complications in dengue can rise during the acute phase of the Dengue or soon after the disease. Among the most common neurological manifestations are encephalopathy, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), myelitis, and peripheral neuropathy.

Signs that Dengue fever has affected the brain

Encephalopathy: Neurological complications associated with dengue fever include various conditions. Encephalopathy, caused by viral invasion, systemic inflammation, or severe liver dysfunction, presents with symptoms like altered mental status, confusion, seizures, or coma. 

Encephalitis, involving inflammation of brain tissue, is more severe with fever, severe headache, stiff neck, altered consciousness, and neurological deficits such as weakness or sensory changes.

Guillain-Barre syndrome: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder linked to dengue, leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Myelitis, inflammation of the spinal cord, can cause mild to severe motor deficits or sensory disturbances depending on its extent. Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness, significantly affecting quality of life.

The exact mechanisms behind dengue-related neurological complications involve viral invasion, immune-mediated damage, and systemic inflammation. Diagnosis in endemic areas or outbreaks relies on high suspicion, utilizing cerebrospinal fluid analysis, neuroimaging, and serological tests for dengue virus.

How to manage with dengue fever complications?

According to Dr Bharath Kumar Surisett, Consultant Neuro Physician and Movement Disorder Specialist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, management of complications by the dengue fever mainly focuses on supportive care and treating the underlying dengue infection. 

In many cases, intensive care support may be necessary. Immunotherapy may be beneficial in immune-mediated conditions such as GBS.

Enough education on the matter becomes very crucial to prevent dengue fever through mosquito control measures and early recognition of symptoms. Top surveillance and research into the neurological aspects of dengue are essential to improve patient outcomes and develop targeted therapies.