Dengue virus, the second most common mosquito-borne disease, can manifest with wide range of neurological complications. These complications can encompass both central and peripheral nervous system. In the present study we report a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with serotype 1 [DEN-1] of dengue fever. At presentation, he had alteration of consciousness and status epilepticus along with liver failure and Reye’s syndrome. While the dengue infection and metabolic disturbance were resolved, his consciousness was not improved. Furthermore, the MRI was performed and illustrated a typical demyelinating disease. The patient was then considered as a case with dengue fever and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis [ADEM]. Following the prescription, he underwent five days of therapy with pulse methylprednisolone. The neurological outcome had unexpected slow improvement. This study is in agreement with previously reported cases regarding the cytopathic effects of dengue virus on CNS. Moreover, we suggest that ADEM should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with dengue infection presenting encephalopathy.

Keywords: Dengue infection, Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, ADEM, Neurological complication of dengue infection