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A recent study led by Dr. Hsin-I Shih and colleagues at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan has uncovered concerning links between dengue fever and subsequent mental health challenges, particularly depression.

Drawing on extensive medical records from nearly 50,000 individuals diagnosed with dengue between 2002 and 2015, alongside a control group of 226,670 non-infected patients, the study examined occurrences of anxiety, depressive disorders, and sleep disorders following infection.

Dengue, transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, typically manifests as a flu-like illness, varying from mild symptoms to severe cases that require hospitalization.

Beyond the acute phase, some people experience lingering symptoms such as headaches, skin rashes, and chronic fatigue, which researchers believe could contribute to long-term mental health issues.

"These prolonged symptoms have the potential to contribute to the development of long-term depressive conditions post-infection," Dr. Hsin-I Shih said, as per Gavi.org.

Published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, the research found a significant correlation between dengue infection and the likelihood of developing depressive disorders across various time frames post-infection.

These time frames included less than three months, three to twelve months, and more than twelve months after the initial infection. The median follow-up period for all patients involved in the study was 3.3 years.

Interestingly, while there was an elevated risk of sleep disorders in the three to twelve months following infection, the study did not observe a consistent increase in anxiety among most dengue patients over time.

However, for those who experienced severe dengue requiring hospitalization, there was a notable spike in anxiety disorders within the first three months post-infection, along with an increased risk of sleep disorders during the first year.

Dr. Shih and colleagues emphasized the need for further research to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations. They suggested that ongoing symptoms or the psychological impact of hospitalization could contribute to the development of depression.

Additionally, they drew parallels with the West Nile virus, another Flavivirus, where patients have reported depressive symptoms long after infection, suggesting a potential direct impact of the virus on the brain.

The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and supporting individuals post-dengue infection, particularly those who experience severe cases, to mitigate potential long-term health consequences.