H1N1 Encephalitis ‘Sans’ Flu – A Case Report

Abstract

Influenza H1N1 infection is a viral infection with a seasonal preponderance, usually presents with flu-like symptoms, and rarely has extra-respiratory manifestations. It has taken a pandemic form on few occasions in the past. Involvement of the Central Nervous System (CNS), though rare, is described. We describe a 42-year immunocompromised woman who presented with an acute febrile rapidly progressive encephalopathic illness without the usual flu-like symptoms. Instead, she had widespread Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain changes resulting in a fatal outcome. Such an encephalitic presentation of H1N1 infection without respiratory involvement has never been reported. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 11(3):166-169.