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4-Year-Old's Flu Battle Sparks Urgent Health Warning
8 Jan
Summary
- A rare illness caused acute necrotizing encephalopathy, swelling the brain.
- Flu cases are skyrocketing, with four child deaths reported.
- Hospitalizations for children under five surged 150% recently.

A Massachusetts family is urging heightened awareness of the flu after their 4-year-old daughter's life hung in the balance. The child was diagnosed with acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a rare condition associated with the flu that leads to brain swelling and cell damage.
Flu cases are dramatically increasing across Massachusetts, prompting serious concern. The state has reported four pediatric deaths attributed to the flu. Notably, hospital admissions for children under five have seen a significant 150% rise in the past two weeks.
This surge has impacted local communities, with one daycare reporting numerous influenza cases. While the young patient is now recovering, her mother is speaking out to emphasize the severity of the flu and its potential complications, advocating for parental vigilance.




