A new study shows that dengue can cause neurological disorders in children. A health assessment of 56 children who suffered from dengue encephalitis in 2018-19 was conducted five years later, revealing mental or physical disabilities in 22 children. This indicates that dengue is not limited to an infection but can affect the brain and body for a long time.
Dengue: A study by the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in Gorakhpur assessed 56 children who suffered from dengue encephalitis in 2018-19, five years later. Neurological problems were found in 22 of these children, including mental disabilities, reduced limb function, and memory loss. The research indicates that dengue is not merely limited to fever and a drop in platelet count but can have long-term effects on children's brains and nervous systems.
Neurological Impact on Children
Dengue is primarily spread by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. However, a study conducted by RMRC revealed that if children are not treated promptly, the virus can reach the brain. The 56 children included in the study suffered from dengue encephalitis in 2018-19. Negligence in early treatment led to an increased viral load, causing children to experience high fever along with convulsions.
Health Assessment Five Years Later
The children were then admitted to BRD Medical College. After treatment, 22 children returned home healthy. However, five years later, when the research team re-examined their health, startling facts emerged. Neurological problems were found in 22 of these children. During this period, one child had unfortunately passed away. The study's findings have been published in the UK journal 'Open Forum Infectious Diseases'.
Types of Neurological Problems
The research also observed that some children had mild neurological problems, leading to changes in their behavior. Four children had one arm or leg not functioning properly. Some children also experienced difficulties in speaking and hearing. Six children were dependent on others for their daily activities. Overall, 21 children showed reduced ability to remember things.
Reference to Japanese Encephalitis
For a long time, the Gorakhpur-Basti division and surrounding districts of Bihar and Nepal experienced outbreaks of Japanese Encephalitis. Its impact has almost diminished over the past seven to eight years. However, the new study indicates that dengue can also leave children with long-term mental and physical problems.
Dengue's Impact Beyond Just Fever
Dengue is not limited to an infection. If not treated promptly, it can severely affect children's mental health and daily lives. According to researcher Dr. Neha Srivastava, neurological problems typically seen after encephalitis in children are now also emerging in cases of dengue.
The study was based on dengue cases that began in 2018-19. 56 children were included in it. In 2023-24, the research team visited these children's homes to evaluate their health. 34 children were found to be completely healthy, while the remaining children exhibited neurological or physical problems. These figures clearly demonstrate the long-term adverse effects of dengue.
Impact on Children's Health in the Future
This study shows that dengue is not merely an infectious disease. It can affect children's brains and nervous systems, causing long-term problems in their lives. Conditions such as mental disabilities, physical weakness, and inability to perform daily tasks can persist with children for a long time.
