Pune: Zika virus patient reports rare neurological complication

Doctors at Noble Hospital and Research Centre in Hadapsar,
Pune, reported an exceptionally rare neurological complication in a 61-year-old
man diagnosed with Zika virus infection. The patient, suffering from Zika
meningoencephalitis, is the first such case in India, with previous similar
complications reported only in the USA and Brazil. Meningoencephalitis involves
simultaneous inflammation of the brain and the surrounding meninges, presenting
a life-threatening condition.

Dr. Ameet Dravid and his team confirmed the Zika virus
infection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the patient, who had been
admitted with fever, headache, body ache, and loose motions. Despite various
tests, no initial cause was found. The patient collapsed and went into a coma
on July 12, and subsequent tests confirmed Zika virus in his blood and CSF.
Following the confirmation, the medical team treated the patient with steroids
and invasive ventilation, resulting in the patient’s recovery from the coma and
transfer to a normal ward.