US CDC: Life-threatening brain illness seen in kids in 2024-25 flu season, most were not vaccinated

During the 2024-2025 flu season, the CDC reported an increase in severe neurological complications, like influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), in children. ANE had a tragically high mortality rate, with nearly half of affected children losing their lives. The CDC emphasizes annual flu vaccination for children six months and older to prevent such complications.