CO-INFECTION OF DENGUE AND JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS: A RARE CASE REPORT

Dengue and Japanese encephalitis are vector borne disorders, caused by Dengue virus (DENV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are two important pathogenic viruses that can cause severe encephalitis. This Arboviruses spread by mosquitoes are important Causes of mortality and morbidity in India. Very few cases of their co-infection have been reported in endemic countries. This study addresses the complexity of diagnosing and managing coinfections of dengue (DENV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in endemic regions like India. The research emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving comprehensive laboratory investigations, neuroimaging and close clinical monitoring due to overlapping clinical manifestations and serological cross-reactivity between the two viruses. The case of a 30-year-old man presenting with fever, hematuria, and a history of dengue and Chikungunya was reported. After investigations it was confirmed coinfection with DENV and JEV. Major outcomes include insights into the challenges of diagnosing and managing these coinfections and the urgent need for further research to elucidate pathogenesis, optimize therapeutic strategies and enhance preventive measures. Management involved a combination of antiviral medications, antibiotics, and supportive care to address the complex clinical presentation. Further research is essential to bridge gaps in understanding and combating these neglected tropical diseases.