Rare Brain Abscesses in Kids Raises Alarm for Doctors Across the US

Reports have surfaced indicating that the number of brain abscess cases in kids in Nevada and other states has spiked dramatically.

Health officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently investigating a group of exceptional and severe brain abscesses among children in the vicinity of Las Vegas, Nevada. Medical experts from other areas have also reported a potential upsurge in such cases.

Although brain abscesses are not deemed reportable illnesses, meaning physicians are not obligated to notify public health authorities when such cases arise, public health officials typically become aware of them only when healthcare providers observe an increase in cases and seek help.

Rising Cases of Rare Brain Abscesses in Kids

According to CNN, the statistics in 2022, the number of cases increased three-fold, rising from an average of four to five cases per year to 18 cases.

Dr. Taryn Bragg, an associate professor at the University of Utah and the only pediatric neurosurgeon in Nevada, treated all the cases and has expressed her concern over the sudden surge in the number of cases. She observed that almost all the affected children initially experienced common childhood complaints, such as earaches or sinus infections, accompanied by headaches and fevers.

However, within a week, it became clear that something more severe was happening.

Dr. Bragg's expertise and experience in treating brain abscesses in children made her the first to notice the pattern and alert local public health officials. She expressed her surprise at the sudden and unusual increase in the number of cases after March 2022.

The increased brain abscess cases in children in Nevada have raised concerns among healthcare professionals nationwide. It has prompted medical experts from other regions to report a potential upsurge in similar cases, which suggests that the problem may not be confined to Nevada.

The disease detectives from the CDC have now launched an investigation into this rare and severe brain infection among children in and around Las Vegas. This investigation aims to identify the causes of the outbreak, determine the scope of the problem, and prevent the disease's spread.

Brain Abscesses

According to Boston Children's Hospital, brain abscesses are serious infections that can develop in the brain and lead to problems with brain and spinal cord function.

They can occur in children of all ages but tend to be more common in young school-aged children. Boys are twice as likely to be affected as girls. These abscesses can result from various viruses or infections, and their symptoms may include headaches, fever, and neurological symptoms such as difficulty moving or communicating.

Brain abscesses can be detected through various tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Depending on the severity of the abscess, treatment options may include medication, surgical intervention, or a combination of both.

As reported by NBC, the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in brain abscess cases.

Furthermore, Dr. Samir Shah, vice chair of clinical affairs and education at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, notes that respiratory viruses such as sinus infections have become more common as pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

These infections can increase the risk of developing brain abscesses in children. Dr. Michael Rodgers, a pediatric neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, explains that sinus infections that go undiagnosed for extended periods can eventually penetrate the bone and reach the brain, causing an abscess.

Dr. Jessica Penney, a CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officer, investigated a cluster of brain abscess cases in Southern Nevada and presented her findings at the CDC's annual Epidemic Intelligence Service conference.

The investigation involved analyzing various factors such as travel history, underlying health conditions, and common activities or exposures, but they couldn't find any links to the cases.

This highlights the complexity of diagnosing and treating brain abscesses and underscores the importance of timely detection and treatment to prevent long-term neurological consequences.