Scientists unlock secret behind rare disease where flu can cause paralysis

Scientists unlock secret behind rare disease where flu can cause paralysis

One family said that the discovery offers hope.

LifeArc Pathfinder Award recipients uncover genetic cause of severe nerve condition in children

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a rare genetic mutation that causes severe nerve damage in children following mild infections. Their findings revealed that changes in a gene called RCC1 can set off a devastating neurological reaction to otherwise minor illnesses, such as the flu or common stomach bugs.    Solving a 25-year mystery   This breakthrough brings long-awaited answers to families like that of Timothy Bingham…

Scientists discover genetic condition that causes paralysis following mild infections

Doctors and genetic researchers at The University of Manchester have discovered that changes in a gene leads to severe nerve damage in children following a mild bout of infection. The research study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), LifeArc and the Wellcome Trust and published in The Lancet Neurology today (16/07/25). Twenty-five years ago when Timothy Bingham was two years old, he had a mild flu like illn…

Genetic condition that causes paralysis following mild infections

16.07.2025 - Doctors and genetic researchers at The University of Manchester have discovered that changes in a gene leads to severe nerve damage in children following a mild bout of infection. Twenty-five years ago when Timothy Bingham was two years old, he had a mild flu like illness which left him unable to walk.