In the story, baby Helen has been diagnosed with 'acute congestion of the stomach and brain.' The doctor tells baby Helen's parents that they are very lucky their baby has survived the fever.
Today, some doctors suggest that Helen may have suffered from scarlet fever, meningitis, or even encephalitis. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Both diseases include a high fever as one of the debilitating symptoms sufferers endure.
The causes of both may be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Both baby Helen's parents are initially happy at the diagnosis, but their joy soon turns to horror when they discover that their baby can neither see nor hear them.
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