What Caused the Death of the 3-Year-Old Child? Explanation

A 3-year-old girl from the Ararat region has died in Yerevan. She was transferred to the "Saint Astvatsamayr" medical center with a number of health issues. News of a human death from H1N1 influenza, commonly known as the "swine flu," has not only caused grief but also concern in Armenia.

How was this disease transmitted to the 3-year-old child, and why did the treatable condition lead to death? Alina Nikoghosyan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health of Armenia, stated: "The child's condition deteriorated sharply. The child experienced severe febrile convulsions, neuroinfection, and had issues with the brain. She was transferred to the 'Ararat Hospital' in very poor condition and fell into a coma there." SHANTNEWS.am contacted Ararat Hospital for clarification.

"The child was admitted to the hospital in the second half of Saturday, brought in with a fever and respiratory issues. She was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, high fever, and admitted for inpatient treatment," said hospital director Arayik Sardarayan. According to him, despite receiving treatment, the child's fever did not decrease for two days and sharply increased on the third day, after which they transferred her to Yerevan's 'Saint Astvatsamayr' medical center for more specialized treatment. By then, the child was in critical condition.

The hospital's announcement stated that due to febrile convulsions and loss of consciousness, the child was admitted to the intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator. "A number of tests were conducted, and she was diagnosed with acute encephalitis and polisinusitis. An H1N1 flu test was also conducted, confirming the A type influenza—H1N1. Despite this subtype being detected, the child was hospitalized due to acute encephalitis (febrile convulsion) symptoms; thus, it will only be clear after the tests whether the child's death was caused by H1N1 or as a result of acute encephalitis," the hospital's statement mentioned.

Although a final conclusion is not yet available, doctors note that the child did not receive the seasonal flu vaccine. No health organizations are commenting on how much this may have affected the progression of the illness.