Additional Coverage:
- Unvaccinated child dies from rare measles complication years after contracting disease (themirror.com)
Tragic Loss Underscores Importance of Measles Vaccination
Los Angeles County health officials confirmed the death of a child from a rare but devastating complication of measles. The child, who contracted measles as an infant before being eligible for vaccination, later developed subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a progressive and fatal brain disorder.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of measles and the critical role of vaccination. While the child initially recovered from the measles infection, SSPE can emerge years later, typically between 2 and 10 years after the initial illness.
This rare complication affects the central nervous system, leading to seizures, loss of mobility, and ultimately, coma or a vegetative state. There is no known cure or effective treatment.
“This case is a painful reminder of how dangerous measles can be,” stated Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer. He emphasized that vaccination protects not only individuals but also the broader community, especially those too young to be vaccinated.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the risk of developing SSPE is approximately 1 in 10,000 for those who contract measles. However, for infants infected with measles, that risk increases significantly to 1 in 600.
This tragic loss comes amidst a resurgence of measles cases nationwide, the worst outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. While weekly cases have recently declined, outbreaks continue to occur, highlighting the ongoing threat to unvaccinated individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective and typically provides lifelong protection. Health officials stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.