Notice To Providers After Minnesota Child Develops Rare Brain Inflammation Linked To Flu

Notice To Providers After Minnesota Child Develops Rare Brain Inflammation Linked To Flu

The Minnesota Department of Health recently issued a notice to healthcare providers after a child under the age of two was diagnosed with a case of acute necrotizing encephalitis.

A child in Minnesota has been diagnosed with a case of rare brain inflammation associated with the flu, prompting a warning to healthcare providers across the state.

The Minnesota Department of Health recently issued a notice after a child under the age of two was diagnosed with a case of acute necrotizing encephalitis (ANE) associated with influenza A.

The condition, which causes brain inflammation, is rare but has high rates of morbidity and mortality, according to MDH. It can be associated with high fever, obtundation (reduced alertness or conciousness) and seizures.

MDH also noted that pediatricians throughout the country have seen a spike in cases of ANE associated with influenza A amid a major spike in the seasonal virus. Those affected have typically been healthy young children, many of whom have not had their seasonal flu shot.

“Seasonal influenza activity remains high and there is still time to promote [the] vaccine,” the notice reads.

Influenza vaccine rates in Minnesota are currently 24% for children and 34% for adults.

In total, 6,124 hospitalizations related to influenza have been reported in the state in the 2024-25 season, according to the latest date from MDH. That number marks the highest rate since the department began its current tracking system.

Deaths associated with influenza so far this season total 238, including one pediatric death.

SOURCE: Bring Me The News