Flu Shot May Be Linked To Boy's Mysterious Illness

[Health Dr. 2]

Doctors say flu shot may be linked to boy's mysterious illness
By The Associated Press

(3/10/05 - SAN ANTONIO, TX) — A South Texas boy's mysterious and debilitating illness has drawn attention from doctors across the country, some of whom suspect that a flu shot may be to blame.

Five-year-old Maurice Lamkin was healthy and happy until Oct. 27, when he received the vaccination at a clinic. That night he developed a fever, and a few days later he ended up in an intensive care unit, his brain swelling as puzzled doctors reviewed his case.
He fought for his life for 40 days and, after a stay at a rehabilitation facility, returned home on New Year's Day. But he can't speak and has returned to diapers, and all of his meals must be pureed to the texture of baby food.

While some doctors suspect the flu shot is to blame, others say it's probably just a coincidence.

Dr. Kenneth Mack, a pediatric neurologist who consulted on Maurice's case, said an adverse reaction to the flu shot can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.

"The body's immune system can get overactive and attack the brain," he said.

Maurice's pediatrician recommended he get a flu shot because he has asthma and lives in a home with his infant sister. He had been vaccinated once before without ill effects.

His mother, Michelle Mouille, said she regrets having him vaccinated.

"He was just a healthy little boy. He was running around -- he was so proud because he'd just learned to write his first and last name," Mouille said. "He was living his life, singing, dancing, wrestling with his brother -- it's so hard to understand."

Maurice's case has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vaccine Monitoring System. Dr. John Iskander, an epidemiologist and pediatrician with the agency, said the cause of Maurice's illness may remain a mystery.

"It's very difficult to make a determining decision whether the flu vaccine was to blame," he said.

Iskander said the CDC will monitor other reports of reactions to see if a pattern emerges.

But he reminded parents that the benefits of getting a flu shot outweigh the small risk of a vaccine causing serious harm. Each year in the United States, about 36,000 people die of the flu and 200,000 are hospitalized.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[tmwfca]

just read article on texas boy with flu shot and encephalitis.

back in 1976 i too got a flu shot and within 2 weeks was hospitilized
with encephalitis. this was in north carolina. i always thought there was
a connection.