Neurologists around the world are observing altered mental status, or encephalopathy, in a small subset of people with 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). More typical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Experts say that it is too early to make definitive statements or identify the specific mechanisms by which the new coronavirus is affecting the neurological system, but caution that new confusion, lethargy, or seizures may indicate a need to seek medical care.

Jennifer A. Frontera, MD, professor in the Department of Neurology, says people who are sick should be aware of other potential mental symptoms. “You don’t feel your best when you have a fever, but you should be able to interact normally, answer questions, and converse in a normal fashion,” she says.

Read more from The New York Times.