CDC Investigates Spike in Rare Pediatric Brain Infections Last Winter

The US saw a 200% increase in brain abscesses in children in December 2022 following a surge in respiratory infections over the winter, according to a new investigation by the CDC. Brain abscesses are pockets of pus that form in brain tissues and typically arise when an ordinary sinus infection or ear infection travels to the brain. The reason for the increase isn’t fully understood, but experts say that because brain abscesses often follow more routine types of infections, it stands to reason we would see an increase in secondary bacterial infections following such a heavy season for viral illnesses in kids.