Fatal Epstein–Barr virus encephalitis in a 12-year-old child: an underappreciated neurological complication?

Biebl et al. describe the case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with fever, malaise and fatigue, and was diagnosed with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) encephalitis when his cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for EBV. Despite intensive care and antiviral treatment, the patient died 1 month after the initial presentation. The authors suggest that EBV encephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a young patient presents with acute neurological illness of uncertain etiology.