Multivariate regression models revealed that encephalitis in Chinese children was significantly decreased by 18% with 1% increase in RDW after adjusting for all covariates (Model III, adjustment for age, gender, race, ICU category, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, platelet count, albumin level, and total bilirubin; Adjusted OR =0.82, 95% CI: 0.73–0.92). Here, ALB is linked to viral encephalitis.