Reports of Encephalopathy Among Children with Influenza-Associated Mortality — United States, 2010–11 Through 2024–25 Influenza Seasons

• 2025

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• Amara Fazal; Katie Reinhart; Stacy Huang; Krista Kniss; Samantha Olson; Vivien Dugan
PMID: 40014654DOI: https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7406a3

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The report describes cases of encephalopathy in children who died from influenza in the U.S. between 2010 and 2025. Encephalopathy is a serious brain condition that can happen with the flu, especially acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). Out of 1,840 child deaths from flu during this period, 166 had encephalopathy. In the current season (2024-25), nine out of 68 deaths involved this condition, including four with ANE. The report highlights the need for better tracking and recommends vaccination to prevent severe flu complications in children aged six months and older while viruses are circulating.

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Tags

Focus Area: Infectious Disease

Audiences: Emergency Managers; Physicians; Public Health Professionals

Emergency Management Stage: Response

Keywords: Child Mortality; Encephalitis; Influenza, Human; Influenza Vaccines

Institutions: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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