Clinical Features and Neurologic Complications of Children Hospitalized With Chikungunya Virus in Honduras
José A Samra1, Nancy L Hagood2, Andrea Summer3
11 Department of Pediatrics, National Autonomous University of Honduras Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Insights
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks in Honduras severely affect children, causing neurological issues like seizures and meningoencephalitis. This study highlights the significant impact of CHIKV on pediatric health in the region.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) emerged in Honduras in 2014, with a significant outbreak impacting children in 2015.
- The primary vector, Aedes aegypti mosquito, facilitated widespread transmission across the country.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical features and neurological complications of CHIKV in hospitalized children.
- To understand the severity and spectrum of CHIKV disease in the pediatric population in Honduras.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 235 children diagnosed with CHIKV.
- Data collected from patients admitted to Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
- Assessment of clinical manifestations and neurological complications.
Main Results:
- The majority of children presented with fever, rash, and irritability.
- Neurological complications were frequent, including seizures (10%) and meningoencephalitis (6%).
- Severe outcomes included two childhood deaths, one from meningoencephalitis and another from myocarditis.
Conclusions:
- Chikungunya virus poses a severe threat to children in Honduras, with a high incidence of neurological complications.
- Central nervous system involvement is a major concern in pediatric CHIKV cases.
- Prompt recognition and management of CHIKV are crucial to mitigate severe outcomes in children.
Abstract:
The first case of Chikungunya virus in Honduras was identified in 2014. The virus has spread widely across Honduras via the Aedes aegypti mosquito, leading to an outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in 2015 that significantly impacted children. A retrospective chart review of 235 children diagnosed with CHIKV and admitted to the National Autonomous University of Honduras Hospital Escuela (Hospital Escuela) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, was accomplished with patients who were assessed for clinical features and neurologic complications. Of 235 children admitted to Hospital Escuela with CHIKV, the majority had symptoms of fever, generalized erythematous rash, and irritability. Fourteen percent had clinical arthritis. Ten percent of patients had seizures. Six percent had meningoencephalitis. There were 2 childhood deaths during the course of this study, one from meningoencephalitis and another from myocarditis. Chikungunya virus can cause severe complications in children, the majority of which impact the central nervous system.
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