Gloucester County will be changing the lighting of its administration building to green on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to recognize PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day.
Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndromes (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are serious inflammatory brain conditions caused by misdirected immune response. The post-infectious disorders are triggered by common viral and bacterial infections such as strep throat and the flu.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a proclamation in 2023 to increase awareness, support quicker and more accurate diagnoses, and encourage greater support for all children and families affected by PANS and PANDAS across Virginia.
The disorder, also known as autoimmune encephalitis, generally causes the onset of three or more symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, tics, restricted eating, depression, loss of math skills, behavior regression, severe physical and emotional distress, and...