Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

CDC Reports Surge in Flu-Linked Encephalopathy Cases

9/26/2025

38 9

Summary

Story summary

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 109 children diagnosed with influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in 2024-25 flu season.
Severe IAE presents with confusion, seizures, and abnormal movements; 74% required ICU.
Pediatric acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) cases are rising and 90% of last season’s 280 flu deaths occurred in unvaccinated children, with vaccination falling to 49.2% from 62.4% in 2019-20.

1 of 1

Story summary

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 109 children diagnosed with influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in 2024-25 flu season.
Severe IAE presents with confusion, seizures, and abnormal movements; 74% required ICU.
Pediatric acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) cases are rising and 90% of last season’s 280 flu deaths occurred in unvaccinated children, with vaccination falling to 49.2% from 62.4% in 2019-20.