Rare Viral Reaction Leaves Toddler ‘Like Stone,’ Father Says
A British toddler experienced a frightening medical crisis after contracting a common virus, leaving her temporarily paralyzed and prompting doctors to give her a 50% chance of survival. The case highlights the potential for rare, severe complications even from seemingly mild infections, and underscores the importance of prompt medical attention when a child’s condition rapidly deteriorates.
Lettie, 1 year and 8 months old, initially showed only mild symptoms – a refusal to eat breakfast – on what her parents, Jack, 23, and Zuzanna, 20, described as an otherwise normal day. However, her condition quickly worsened. Within hours, she vomited, became pale, and began having difficulty breathing before collapsing in her father’s arms, according to reports.
Initially, doctors suspected a febrile seizure. However, when Lettie’s skin turned purple and mottled, her parents insisted on further investigation. Testing revealed she had asymptomatic COVID-19, which triggered acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare and serious brain condition caused by viral infections like the flu. The condition causes rapid neurological deterioration.
“My daughter lost skills suddenly at 18 months,” Lettie’s mother said, as reported by TNH1. Jack described the terrifying moment his daughter became paralyzed, stating, “The best way to describe is that her corpinho virou pedra – she was awake and crying, but frozen.”
ANE can be triggered by a variety of viruses, including herpes simplex, enteroviruses, and varicella-zoster, and, less commonly, by autoimmune responses where the body attacks healthy brain cells. The condition is characterized by rapid neurological decline.
After more than 100 days in the hospital and intensive treatment, Lettie was discharged and began physiotherapy and occupational therapy. She is reportedly showing signs of progress but still requires specialized care. Her parents are now raising awareness about the severity of ANE.
The case serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of viral infections and the potential for rare but devastating complications, even in otherwise healthy children.
