Vietnam hospital treats 5-year-old with influenza A and necrotizing encephalitis

The Vietnam-Sweden Uong Bi Hospital in Quang Ninh province recently admitted and treated a 5-year-old patient suffering from influenza A complicated by necrotizing encephalitis. Upon admission, the child exhibited a fever exceeding 40°C, vomiting, a heart rate of 190 beats per minute, low blood pressure, cold extremities, and delirium.

Medical staff administered intensive treatment, including resuscitation measures, anti-brain edema medication, vasopressors, and antibiotics. Dr. Dao Thi Loan, Deputy Head of the Pediatric Department, noted that necrotizing encephalitis is a rare but extremely dangerous neurological complication. It can result from an excessive inflammatory response to infections like influenza and may lead to seizures, brain tissue damage, long-term neurological deficits, or death.

Medical professionals advise parents to seek immediate medical attention if a child with influenza shows signs of lethargy, confusion, seizures, rapid breathing, cyanosis, or sudden deterioration in physical condition.