Recent research highlights infection-related stroke risks
MELBOURNE — Recent research conducted by Monash University has revealed that children who had an infection within the past 60 days faced double the risk of experiencing a stroke. Published in the journal Neurology, this study is the first in Australia to provide population-wide estimates of childhood stroke incidence.
Over a seven-year period in Victoria, 571 cases of childhood stroke occurred, equivalent to one stroke per 18,000 children, according to the study. Although rare, these strokes have significant health repercussions, including death and long-term disability, with a higher prevalence among boys and infants under one year of age.
Notably, the study found that the risk of stroke was highest within two weeks following an infection and remained elevated for up to six months. Dr. Lachlan Dalli from Monash Health emphasised that childhood stroke, while uncommon, poses serious health concerns, particularly after infections like the flu or RSV.
Study Details and Implications
The study utilised data from the Vaccine Safety Health Link (VSHL), which includes comprehensive vaccination and infection records from all Victorians. The research did not find a significant link between recent vaccinations and stroke risk. According to Dr. Dalli, preventive measures like handwashing and vaccination could mitigate these risks.
Professor Jim Buttery from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute noted that common infections, including severe cases like meningitis or sepsis and more common ones like gastrointestinal infections, are associated with increased stroke risk. The findings emphasise the importance of infection prevention strategies in protecting children from potentially life-altering health events.
The study was a collaborative effort between Monash University and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, involving experts from Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital, with funding from the Jack Brockhoff Foundation and National Heart Foundation of Australia.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 1 April 2026, 10:32 am
