A child has died at Akademiska Hospital in Uppsala after falling ill with encephalitis caused by TBE. The child was fully vaccinated, according to P4 Uppland.
According to the radio, the child, who according to the hospital's internal investigation was fully vaccinated, was admitted to the emergency department with a headache. The hospital then X-rayed the child and performed a neurological examination.
The examinations did not show anything abnormal, and the child was sent home. But the next day, the child returned with convulsions and was then taken to the intensive care unit. Despite emergency surgery and care, the child died.
The death has been reported to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) under the Lex Maria regulations.
The hospital's own investigation also shows that the hospital had difficulties in making a diagnosis. They will now review their routines.
TBE (Tick Borne Encephalitis) or tick-borne encephalitis is caused by a flavivirus. It can manifest as brain and meningeal inflammation with high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and paralysis symptoms. Deaths are very rare.
The first signs of the disease appear one to two weeks after infection. The disease begins with fever.
There is no known cure.
Sources: NE, Public Health Agency
