Pune: Chikungunya virus traces in the cerebrospinal fluid of a six-month-old girl from the city has caught doctors by surprise for it was “not a very common occurrence in such small babies”. The parents of the infant had sought medical intervention after she exhibited neurological complications, along with fever, rash and irritability. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colourless liquid that protects and nourishes the brain, as well as the spinal cord.
Medical experts said the virus was causing severe infections among children, including liver infection, involvement of the brain, fits, and even coma. City-based paediatric intensivist Dr Sagar Lad, who attended to the infant, said, “The baby was just six-month-old when she was referred to us on Aug 31 with complains like fever, rash, convulsions and irritability. As she reported neurological complications with rash, her blood was tested for chikungunya.
The report confirmed chikungunya infection in the infant. We tested her cerebrospinal fluid for the infection too because of persistent decreased consciousness and convulsion in the infant. The test carried out through PCR and showed traces of chikungunya infection.
” Dr Lad said he was surprised to see chikungunya traces in her cerebrospinal fluid which was not a very common occurrence in such small babies. “Since there is no antiviral available for chikungunya, she needed supportive treatment to control fits and reduce brain pressure. She was treated and discharged on .
