A six-year-old girl remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit at a children’s hospital in Athens after developing encephalitis following complications from influenza, hospital officials said.
The child was admitted with a high fever and seizures and was found to be dehydrated. Doctors immediately placed her on a ventilator and carried out CT and MRI scans, which confirmed that encephalitis had developed as a complication of the flu.
Medical staff say the girl is fighting for her life and that the next 24 hours will be critical, as the brain inflammation has caused serious complications. She continues to be treated in the ICU at the Children’s Hospital Agia Sophia.
At the same time, doctors reported more positive news regarding a three-year-old child who is also being treated for influenza in intensive care. The child was initially transferred in critical condition to a hospital in Corinth, where he was intubated before being moved to Athens. His condition has now improved and he may be transferred to a regular hospital ward later on Saturday.
Sharp Rise in Flu and RSV Cases Among Children
Health officials are warning of a rapid increase in severe flu cases among children, alongside rising infections of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“The flu has spread widely in the community, resulting in two children with no underlying health conditions being treated in intensive care,” said Michalis Giannakos, president of the Greek Federation of Public Hospital Workers (POEDIN), speaking to Action24.
“At the Agia Sofia hospital, a three-year-old boy is in stable condition, while a six-year-old girl is fighting for her life, intubated in the intensive care unit, and we are doing everything we can. There is a sharp increase in children with flu and RSV arriving at hospitals,” he added.
Giannakos urged parents to be particularly cautious, warning that the healthcare system is under pressure.
“There is widespread transmission, and vulnerable groups have not been vaccinated. These are the groups most at risk,” he said. “There is also significant spread among children, and families must be careful about contacts and school attendance.”
He noted that admissions of children to paediatric hospitals have risen by 30% compared with the previous week, with more than 250 children arriving at hospitals every day and around 50 being admitted daily.
“This situation requires great caution,” he said.
