Encephalitic presentation of Neonatal Chikungunya: A Case Series

To describe clinical features and early neurological outcomes in neonatal Chikungunya.

Clinical, pathological and radiological details of neonates with acute encephalitic features and typical rash, later diagnosed as Chikungunya, are presented. Neurodevelopmental evaluation and imaging was done at discharge/three months.

Abnormal neurological examination with fever was typical presentation in all 13 babies with/without seizures/peri-oral rashes; 12 had persistent neurological abnormalities at discharge. A follow-up at three months revealed continued neurodevelopmental deficits. Neuroimaging abnormalities were seen in eight out of ten cases.

Perinatal Chikungunya should be considered in neonates presenting within first week with fever, encephalopathy and perioral rashes with/without seizures with history of maternal Chikungunya within last week before delivery.