A Rare Case of Neonatal Chikungunya Meningitis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52783/jns.v14.2292Keywords:
Neonatal Chikungunya, Viral Meningitis, Vertical Transmission, RT-PCR, Encephalopathy, Chik SignAbstract
This case report presents a rare occurrence of Neonatal Chikungunya Meningitis diagnosed in a term male neonate in the second week of life. The infant, initially asymptomatic after birth, developed fever, feeding difficulties, and respiratory distress by day 6 of life with subsequent neurological manifestations. Despite initial treatment for suspected bacterial sepsis, the patient showed no improvement. Diagnostic confirmation was achieved through positive Chikungunya RT-PCR in cerebrospinal fluid, supported by characteristic clinical findings including diffuse macular rash and hyperpigmentation on the nose (Chik sign). The case highlights the importance of considering Chikungunya as a differential diagnosis for neonatal meningitis, particularly in endemic areas and with maternal history of intrapartum fever with rash. With supportive care and without antiviral therapy, the infant recovered by day 14 of life with no immediate sequelae. This report emphasizes the challenges in diagnosing this condition due to its non-specific presentation that mimics bacterial sepsis and other arboviral infections.
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