Status Epilepticus in Influenza A (H1N1) Viral Encephalitis

There has been a worldwide pandemic infection of influenza A (H1N1) since June 2009. A 23-year-old female presented with fever and sore throat and was diagnosed as having influenza A (H1N1) infection. After 2 days of illness, she had headache, nausea, and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal-fluid findings were consistent with viral infection, and brain MRI revealed intense signals in both frontotemporal cortices. During her illness she developed repetitive seizures, which were considered to be status epilepticus.