Meningoencephalitis probably associated with dengue infection in an 84-year-old patient: A case report

Dengue meningoencephalitis is a rare neurological complication of dengue infection, characterized by inflammation of the brain and leptomeninges. We present the case of an 81-year-old female patient with a five-day history of fever, accompanied by altered consciousness, seizures, and meningeal signs. Dengue infection was confirmed by a positive RT-PCR result in blood, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, suggestive of a viral infectious process. Additionally, an electroencephalogram showed focal epileptiform activity. This is the first reported case of dengue meningoencephalitis in Central America. This case highlights the importance of considering dengue virus as a potential etiological agent in patients presenting with fever and acute alterations in consciousness secondary to a viral infectious process. The publication of this case is relevant to enhance early recognition of rare neurological complications such as dengue meningoencephalitis, promoting timely intervention that may positively influence patient prognosis.