ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS AND ENCEPHALOPATHY SECONDARY TO INFLUENZA-LIKE INFECTION IN GUNMA PREFECUTURE DURING THE INFLUENZA SEASON IN 1997-1998

Abstract

We report the nine cases of children with acute encephalitis and encephalopathy caused by Influenza-like infection in Gunma Prefecture during the Influenza season in 1997-1998. The characteristics of the 9 patients are as follows : the mean age 2 years 2 months, range 6 months, to 5 years old ; male : female ratio 4 to 5. The onset of symptoms in all 9 patients was almost perfectly coincided the maximum prevalence of Influenza-like infection in Gunma prefecture. The outcome of the 9 patients was as follows : 4 died, 1 with severe and 3 with mild sequelae, and 1 good clinical course.