Type A2 influenza viral infections in children
J. W. Paisley, F. W. Bruhn, B. A. Lauer and K. McIntosh
We retrospectively reviewed the manifestations of influenza A2 in 83
hospitalized young children. Our purpose was to define the spectrum of
clinical illness in this age group. Findings included fever (91%), vomiting
or diarrhea (49%), pharyngitis (34%), pneumonitis (29%), otitis media
(24%), conjunctivitis (13%), croup (13%), and bronchiolitis (6%).
Neuromuscular manifestations occurred in 16 patients (19%) and included
seizures, apnea, opisthotonos, and myositis. Three children had
cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. Children younger than 3 months of age had
fever less often and gastrointestinal symptoms more often than older
children. Threee children died of progressive pneumonitis. We conclude that
influenza A2 may cause a wide range of respiratory and neurologic findings
in infancy and early childhood.
