How dengue can impact the neurological system and brain

Dengue fever is becoming more common and a serious health risk. A few days ago, Bengaluru announced the second suspected dengue-related death, and Delhi recorded 246 instances of the disease. It is an illness spread by mosquitoes that manifests three days to two weeks after infection. The most typical signs and symptoms of dengue include fever, rash on the body, nausea, headache, and discomfort in the muscles and joints. This infection is spread by the female Aedes mosquitoes in the genus. Dengue fever can be deadly if treatment is delayed.

Serious effects on the neurological system and brain can result from dengue fever. Dr. Pooja Anand, Associate Consultant, Neurology, Paras Health, Gurugram, discussed the potential impact of mosquito-borne diseases in an interview with HT Lifestyle.

Brain and nerve problems:

Meningitis (inflammation of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord), myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord), and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) can all result from dengue. The symptoms of these illnesses include excruciating headaches, disorientation, bodily paralysis, convulsions, and even coma.

Dengue encephalopathy:

Dengue Encephalopathy can occur when the dengue virus or the body's immune system attacks the brain. Unusual conduct, altered mental states, and unconsciousness are among the symptoms.

Damage to the nerves:

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that is brought on by dengue. In GBS, the immune system assaults the nerves, causing paralysis, muscle weakness, and possibly fatal breathing difficulties.

Immune response and virus:

Direct infection of the neurological system by the Dengue virus can result in inflammation and damage to the nerves. In addition to causing excessive inflammation and a variety of secondary demyelinating illnesses in the brain, the immunological response to the virus can also result in neurological symptoms.