Dengue Encephalitis in Children "Not an Uncommon Entity but Is Rarely Thought of": A Case Report

Dengue fever is a common viral infection in the tropical areas, especially in India. The clinical manifestations of dengue infection are broad-spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening dengue shock syndrome. Usually, the dengue virus does not cause neurologic manifestations, but recently this has been documented in some cases. However, there is increasing evidence for dengue viral neurotropism, suggesting there may be an element of direct encephalitis in some dengue patients. Here we are reporting a case of dengue encephalitis in a 2-year-old female child from rural India who was presented with a history of fever, altered sensorium, and seizures. Blood test results of dengue immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were positive. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated proteins and normal glucose. Neuroimaging was normal. In addition, other causes of encephalitis were ruled out by appropriate laboratory investigations. Our case highlights that dengue encephalitis may present even in the absence of neuroimaging findings with classical clinical signs. Hence, dengue encephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever with altered sensorium and seizures, especially in areas where dengue fever is endemic.