A rare case of vertical Chikungunya transmission presenting with neurological depression and postnatal hyperpigmentation

Simrat Kaur; Sunil K. Agrawal

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20263824

Authors

Simrat Kaur Department of Pediatrics, Gladstone Hospital, Gladstone, Queensland, Australia
Sunil K. Agrawal Department of Pediatrics, Fortis Hospital Mohali, Mohali, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20263824

Keywords:

Chikungunya, Neonates, Vertical transmission, Mother to child

Abstract

Chikungunya (CHIKV) is a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. Neonatal chikungunya is rare, and congenital transmission whether occurring when the virus crosses the placenta or is transmitted perinatally is even more uncommon. Due to limited awareness and overlapping symptoms with other neonatal infections or metabolic conditions, congenital chikungunya may be underdiagnosed. The increased risk of vertical transmission has been linked to maternal viremia near delivery. About 50% of neonates with CHIKV symptoms develop neurodevelopmental delay. We report a rare case of vertically transmitted chikungunya in a neonate presenting with repeated apnoea’s and generalised hypotonia.

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