Anna Conte v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2020)

Anna Conte filed a petition alleging that the influenza vaccine she received on September 30, 2015, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The court reviewed extensive medical records and expert reports from both parties.

Petitioner argued that her GBS onset was within a timeframe causally linked to the vaccine, presenting a theory of molecular mimicry. Respondent contended that Petitioner's symptoms prior to a certain date were attributable to other conditions, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and pre-existing arthritis and back pain, and that her GBS onset was too late to be vaccine-related.

The court found that Petitioner's hand pain and paresthesias were more likely manifestations of CTS, and her back and abdominal pain were related to osteoarthritis. The court also determined that Petitioner's GBS symptoms did not manifest until at least December 29, 2015, which was approximately three months after vaccination.

This timeline was deemed inconsistent with the established progression of GBS, particularly for a vaccine-induced case. Consequently, the court found that Petitioner failed to establish causation-in-fact under the Althen test for both the timing of the onset and the logical sequence of cause and effect.

Therefore, the petition was denied for insufficient proof.