10-year-old girl dies after she couldn't 'feel her legs and feet' post developing severe flu complications; here's what happened

The extended flu season in America is also among the deadliest in recent years with the hospitalization rates reaching a record high in early February. In fact, the US has been experiencing its most severe flu season in more than a decade. After a slow start, the second severe wave of influenza overwhelmed the healthcare system of the USA with many hospital admissions. Brain complications among kids have been one of the most concerning trends that has been observed.

More than 19,000 people have died this year including 68 children, out of whom at least nine had flu-associated brain complications, according to a CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on February 27. A Maryland family is yet to recover from the death of their 10-year-old daughter due to complications of flu. She was sent back from the hospital twice after receiving medication and flu. However, it didn't help as soon, as the girl couldn't feel her legs and feet. By the time she was rushed to hospital, her brain showed no activity.

Here's how the tragic incident unfolded

Minka Aisha Greene, the healthy and lively 10-year-old developed low energy and a lack of appetite in late January, leaving her mother Kymesha Greene concerned. Greene noted that the girl's behavior changed. "She normally doesn’t get sick. This was like her first time getting sick,” the mother told DC News Now.

When Minka was taken to the emergency room, she was diagnosed with the flu and a UTI. She was sent back home after receiving ibuprofen. However, soon the girl started experiencing headaches and was taken back to the hospital where she was given fluids and sent home for the second time again to rest.

In the morning, Minka's health deteriorated as she started vomiting in bed.

"I heard her screaming, ‘Mommy!’ And I’m like, ‘What’s wrong?’ That’s when she said she couldn’t feel her legs and her feet,” she recalled.

Minka who was not vaccinated for flu was rushed to hospital and on her way back Minka's eyes rolled to the back of her head and her tongue started moving uncontrollably. By the time they reached hospital, Minka stopped breathing. While CPR and other life-saving procedures were performed on her, the parents were told that their daughter had no brain activity.

"That was the last time I carried her, the last time I held her in my arms. I will cherish that for the rest of my life," said David, her father. The girl died on February 10 at the hospital. The heartbroken mother said they had to let their baby go.

Reason for Minka's death

Minka suffered from severe brain inflammation caused by the flu. The parents are sharing their story to warn other parents about advocating for their babies and "when they say they’re hurting, tell the doctors.”

Brain complications in children due to Flu

Influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis (IAE) is a spectrum of neurological syndromes which can make kids critically ill. In January, the CDC received anecdotal reports of kids getting affected by it.

Encephalopathy can cause brain dysfunction while encephalitis may cause brain swelling, according to the Cleveland Clinic. IAE symptoms include seizures, decreased level of consciousness, hallucinations and personality changes lasting more than 24 hours, according to the report.

Types of influenza viruses

There are two types of influenza viruses namely Flu A, and Flu B with the former considered more dangerous. Flu B symptoms range from mild to severe. Neurological complications affect one-fifth of hospitalized children due to influenza.

Vaccination and frequent handwashing are effective measures to contain the spread of the virus.