Encephalitis-Associated Pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 in a Kuwaiti Girl

OBJECTIVE: To report an 11-year-old girl with encephalitis-associated pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: An 11-year-old girl presented with a 6-day history of influenza-like illness followed by an altered mental status for 1 day. She tested positive for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus by PCR of her nasal swab. Her CSF analysis was completely normal, including PCR for pandemic influenza A virus. Her brain MRI and EEG showed evidence suggestive of encephalitis. She was treated with oral Oseltamivir with good recovery. CONCLUSION: This case report shows that neurological complications can occur after respiratory tract infection with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus.