Neurologic manifestations in emerging arboviral diseases in Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil, 2015-2016

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue has affected Rio de Janeiro City since the 1980s. The sequential Zika and chikungunya virus introductions during 2015 aggravated the health scenario, with 97,241 cases of arboviral diseases reported in 2015-2016, some with neurological disorders.

Methods: Arbovirus-related neurologic cases were descriptively analyzed, including neurological syndromes and laboratory results.

Results: In total, 112 cases with non-congenital neurologic manifestations (Guillain-Barré syndrome, 64.3%; meningoencephalitis, 24.1%; acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, 8%) were arbovirus-related; 43.7% were laboratory-confirmed, of which 57.1% were chikungunya-positive.

Conclusions: Emerging arbovirus infections brought opportunities to study atypical, severe manifestations. Surveillance responses optimized case identification and better clinical approaches.