Neonatal Chikungunya Presented as Apnea

Abstract

Neonatal Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is sporadic, and the prevalence of the entity has been described only recently. Neurological complications in adults have been reported, but there is a lack of data in this regard in neonates. In this retrospective case series done during the outbreak of Chikungunya, we observed 7 neonates who presented with fever, irritability, excessive cry, and rash, which was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Out of 7, 5 neonates presented with encephalopathy with apnea and seizures (80%), which were the most common presenting symptoms. Identifying this entity based on clinical and epidemiological background helps in management and aids in prognostication of the affected neonate.