Two Child Deaths Prompt Urgent Flu Treatment Guidelines in South Africa DATELINE: Durban, South Africa — LEAD: The deaths of two children in Durban, South Africa, from flu-related symptoms have led paediatric specialists to issue urgent guidelines for parents and healthcare providers.
The guidelines emphasize the importance of immediate emergency treatment for children displaying severe flu — like symptoms, particularly those with difficulty breathing, high fevers, diarrhoea, and vomiting. NUT GRAF: The recent deaths highlight the severity of the flu season, which has seen a rare neurological flu complication known as Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy (IAE) affecting at least 109 children.
This condition, which accounted for 15 of the 21 deaths reported, is characterized by seizures upon hospital admission in 87% of cases.
Dr. Ashendri Pillay, a paediatric infectious diseases specialist at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, identified respiratory viruses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 as the circulating threats in Durban.
The overlap of symptoms among these viruses has raised concerns among healthcare professionals.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the rarity of IAE.
According to a Stanford Medicine — led study, children may be more likely to survive a rare, potentially fatal influenza complication if they receive rapid treatment for brain swelling and extreme immune responses.
Flu vaccines are also highlighted as a key protective strategy for ANE and other severe flu complications in kids. Despite the availability of effective treatments and vaccines, there is an underutilization of influenza antiviral treatment among children and adolescents at higher risk for influenza-associated complications, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The AAP Publications noted that during the 2024–2025 influenza season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a notable burden of IAE, identifying 109 pediatric cases, including 37 cases of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare but severe subtype associated with high morbidity.
The South African government has not yet commented on the situation, but the urgency of the guidelines issued by paediatric specialists suggests a significant public health concern. Parents are advised to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention for their children if they exhibit severe flu-like symptoms. KICKER: As the flu season continues, paediatric specialists urge parents and healthcare providers to be aware of the potential risks and to act swiftly in the face of severe flu symptoms.
The deaths of the two children serve as a stark reminder of the importance of early intervention and vaccination to mitigate the impact of the flu.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Google News v2
