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Surge in Childhood Brain Disease Linked to Flu Season

7/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A troubling rise in acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) cases among children has been tied to harsh flu seasons, with this rare brain disease posing grave risks like seizures or even death. Alarmingly, just 15% of affected children had received their flu vaccinations. Experts urge parents to prioritize flu shots, as pediatric flu fatalities soared to 266 last year.

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Story summary

A troubling rise in acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) cases among children has been tied to harsh flu seasons, with this rare brain disease posing grave risks like seizures or even death. Alarmingly, just 15% of affected children had received their flu vaccinations. Experts urge parents to prioritize flu shots, as pediatric flu fatalities soared to 266 last year.