What is Acute Necrotising Encephalitis (ANE)?

ANE is an extremely rare and aggressive brain condition triggered by viruses like the flu or COVID-19, causing the immune system to attack the brain.

Can the flu cause severe brain conditions like ANE in children?

Yes, the flu can trigger rare but severe conditions like Acute Necrotising Encephalitis (ANE) in children, even if initial symptoms seem mild.

What are the parents of Sienna Dunion urging others to do?

Sienna's parents are urging parents to vaccinate their children against the flu to help prevent rare but devastating conditions like ANE.

Home / Health / Girl, 4, fights for life after flu triggers rare brain disease

Girl, 4, fights for life after flu triggers rare brain disease

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A four-year-old girl is in critical condition with a rare brain condition.
The condition, Acute Necrotising Encephalitis (ANE), was triggered by the flu.
Her parents express guilt for not vaccinating her against the flu.

Girl, 4, fights for life after flu triggers rare brain disease

A four-year-old girl is in a critical fight for her life after contracting a rare brain condition, Acute Necrotising Encephalitis (ANE), believed to be triggered by the flu. Initially dismissed as a common cold, her condition rapidly worsened, leading to an induced coma and emergency surgery. Doctors had to remove a significant portion of her intestines due to damage sustained from the illness.

Her parents are now sharing their devastating experience, expressing profound guilt for not having vaccinated Sienna against the flu, a decision influenced by past hesitations about vaccinations. The family faces an uncertain future, with doctors warning of potential lifelong disabilities for Sienna, impacting her ability to walk, talk, or eat independently.