TITLE:
Initial Management of a Child with Suspected Acute Encephalitis in a Community Hospital: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Takayuki Hamada, Toru Oshibuchi, Takumi Yamada, Mio Kishino, Yoshikazu Otsubo
KEYWORDS:
Acute Encephalitis, Children, Initial Management, Community, Case Report
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.15 No.10,
October
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: A previously healthy, fully immunized 13-year-old boy presented to a community hospital with fever, generalized seizures, impaired consciousness, and respiratory failure. He required intubation, mechanical ventilation, sedation, and correction of metabolic acidosis. Despite persistent seizures, he was stabilized and transferred to a tertiary intensive care unit for suspected acute encephalitis and, he rapidly improved. Magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography findings were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid findings were consistent with central nervous system inflammation, and viral meningitis was considered; however, no specific viral etiology was identified. He recovered without neurological deficits and was discharged on day 6. This case highlights the importance of prompt initial management of suspected pediatric acute encephalitis in a resource-limited community hospital.