Encephalitis After Chickenpox: Parents Urge Vaccination

A previously healthy four-year-old boy, Roman Weedon, developed severe complications after contracting chickenpox in March 2022. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a high fever, vomiting, confusion, and loss of balance. Doctors initially suspected bacterial meningitis but later diagnosed him with encephalitis, a serious brain inflammation. This condition, a preventable complication of chickenpox, can result in permanent disabilities or prove fatal.

Roman's case highlights the risks associated with chickenpox, which occurs in approximately one in 5,000 children. While most recover without issue, the virus can invade the brain, causing encephalitis or meningitis. The Weedon family is sharing their harrowing experience to emphasize the importance of the chickenpox vaccine, now available in the UK as part of the MMRV jab.

Now, at eight years old, Roman continues to experience lasting effects, including balance issues and impulsivity, along with post-traumatic stress from his ordeal. His parents' advocacy underscores the critical need for vaccination, a measure already standard in countries like the US and Australia, to protect children from potentially life-threatening consequences.