Question
A two-month-and-ten-day-old baby was hospitalized due to fever and diagnosed with encephalitis, accompanied by a small amount of effusion. The baby is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, with family members unable to visit, and the whole family is worried about the baby’s recovery. Can the baby be cured in such a situation?
Answer
Encephalitis in a two-month-old baby is often considered to be of purulent meningitis type. Treatment should involve aggressive anti-infection therapy, typically lasting 10 to 14 days, sometimes up to 21 days. Post-treatment sequelae may include conditions such as subdural effusion, hydrocephalus, meningoencephalitis, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and visual impairment. The specific type of encephalitis needs to be determined based on the doctor’s diagnosis, and the treatment outcome will also depend on the severity of the condition.