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

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.