Ashland Girl, 4, Recovering From Rare Brain Condition Linked to Flu

ASHLAND, MASSACHUSETTS — In less than 24 hours, a fun-loving and energetic four-year-old girl went from feeling unwell to fighting for her life after what began as a routine case of the flu took a sudden and dangerous turn.

Althea first developed a low-grade fever, followed by dizziness and then a seizure, alarming her family. Doctors later determined that the flu virus had affected her brain, leading to a rare condition known as Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy.

“It was very clear that something was not right, and even though she was having a seizure, she was very sleepy from the inflammation,” said her mother, Caitlin Lyons. “I think if she hadn’t been so sleepy, I might have skipped the pediatrician and gone straight to the emergency room.”

Althea spent three weeks hospitalized, including time in the intensive care unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, as her family waited and hoped for signs of recovery.

“It came out of nowhere. Quite literally healthy one day and on death’s door the next,” Lyons said. “We could never have done anything to prevent what happened to Althea.”

Health officials say this flu season has been particularly severe in Massachusetts, with the virus contributing to the deaths of four children statewide.

Lyons encouraged parents to trust their instincts when something feels off. “Know your child, know what’s abnormal, and take them to the pediatrician,” she said. “I know it can feel inconvenient, but if that’s all it is, it’s hardly an issue.”

She also noted that Althea had been vaccinated against the flu and believes that decision may have helped save her daughter’s life.

“We’re just unbelievably lucky,” Lyons said. “It was luck, medical intervention, and acting quickly. It’s a miracle that she’s here with us and doing as well as she is.”

Doctors told the family that only about 10 percent of children diagnosed with this condition make a full recovery. While Althea continues to improve, she is still experiencing some lingering effects.

“She’s not totally there yet. Her fine motor skills have deteriorated, and she has a bit of a shake right now,” Lyons explained. “We’ve been told that should correct itself over time.”

Against the odds, Althea survived and has now returned home to be with her parents and her seven-year-old brother. Her family describes her recovery as nothing short of a miracle.

“They told us it could take three to six months before she’s fully back,” Lyons said. “She’s here with us, and that’s all that matters.”