Recurrent Episodes of Encephalopathy/Encephalitis Secondary to Influenza Virus in a Pediatric Patient.

Influenza virus commonly causes acute upper respiratory tract infections in pediatrics. Rarely, influenza-associated encephalopathy/encephalitis may occur in 4 of 100,000 children annually in the United States. North American literature, however, is sparse regarding the incidence of recurrent episodes. This report characterizes the clinical manifestations and identifies genetic, virologic and/or epidemiologic factors making children susceptible for recurring episodes of influenza-associated encephalopathy/encephalitis.