All articles tagged with #encephalopathy
The CDC reports an increase in severe flu complications among children, including rare brain inflammation cases like acute necrotizing encephalopathy, with 109 cases and 280 pediatric deaths last season. Vaccination rates are declining, despite the flu vaccine's proven effectiveness in preventing severe illness and death, emphasizing the importance of immunization to protect children.
During the 2024–25 influenza season, 109 U.S. children with influenza-associated encephalopathy were reported, including 37 with severe acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). Most affected children were previously healthy, with high rates of ICU admission and mortality, especially among ANE cases. Only 16% of vaccine-eligible children had received the influenza vaccine, underscoring the importance of vaccination to prevent severe neurologic complications. Healthcare providers should consider IAE in children with recent febrile illness and neurologic symptoms, and vaccination remains a key preventive measure.