Dengue fever with hypokalemic paralysis-a case report

Abstract

Dengue is the most significant mosquito-borne, arboviral infection that is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. The clinical presentation of dengue can range from resembling a typical flu to life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever. Brain-related issues of dengue are rare. Unfortunately, there has been a gradual increase in evidence regarding the neurotropism and complications associated with dengue virus over the past 10 years. Dengue virus infection can lead to various neurological complications, such as encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, transverse myelitis, and Guillain–Barré syndrome. There are only a few rare instances where hypokalemic acute pure motor quadriparesis has been reported in individuals with dengue fever. We describe a patient who experienced sudden weakness in all four limbs, which improved after treatment for low potassium levels, and required intensive care, intubation, and mechanical ventilation due to confirmed dengue fever. Medical professionals working in regions where dengue fever is prevalent should be knowledgeable about the potential complications of acute pure motor paralysis caused by low potassium levels. Dengue fever is a viral infection that can cause flaccid paralysis, a condition where the muscles become weak and floppy. One of the symptoms of dengue fever is hypokalemia, a low level of potassium in the blood. Another symptom is quadriparesis, paralysis of all four limbs.