Los Angeles Child Dies from Rare Measles Complication Years After Infection

A school-aged child in Los Angeles has died from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal brain disorder caused by a measles infection contracted during infancy before vaccination eligibility. Though the child initially recovered from measles, SSPE developed years later, highlighting the serious risks of measles complications especially in vulnerable populations. Measles is highly contagious and preventable through the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is recommended in two doses starting at 12 to 15 months of age. Infants younger than six months cannot be vaccinated and rely on community immunity and maternal antibodies for protection. This year has seen the worst measles outbreak in the U.S. in over three decades, linked to declining vaccination rates, with 1,454 cases and three deaths reported nationwide. Public health officials emphasize vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps safeguard those too young to be vaccinated, urging increased immunization efforts to prevent such tragic outcomes.