Bach Mai Hospital Treats Infant for Japanese Encephalitis in Vietnam

A 7‑month‑old girl from Ninh Bình was admitted to the pediatric centre of Bach Mai Hospital with high fever and a generalized seizure lasting about 20 minutes. The seizure continued during transport, prompting the emergency team to secure airway, breathing and circulation and to control the convulsion.

Doctors performed a lumbar puncture, which revealed inflammatory cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. MRI showed brain lesions consistent with encephalitis, and specialized testing confirmed infection with the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The child received intensive supportive care, including seizure control, antiedema treatment, continuous neurological monitoring, fluid‑electrolyte management and nutritional support. After 24 days of treatment she became afebrile, seizure‑free, alert, and was discharged with plans for regular follow‑up. Physicians emphasized that prolonged seizures in infants should trigger thorough investigation, such as lumbar puncture, to rule out serious conditions like viral encephalitis.