Los Angeles County Reports measles-Related Death in School-Age Child
A school-age child in Los Angeles County has died from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare and fatal complication of measles, health officials announced Thursday. Teh child was infected with measles in infancy, before being eligible for vaccination.
This death underscores the enduring risks posed by measles, even years after initial infection, and arrives during the worst U.S. measles outbreak in over three decades.While measles is highly preventable through vaccination, declining immunization rates are fueling a resurgence of the virus and increasing the potential for severe, long-term consequences like SSPE, especially among vulnerable populations such as infants.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, SSPE causes progressive brain damage and is almost always fatal. The condition develops in approximately 1 in 10,000 people who contract measles, but the risk increases to 1 in 600 for infants.
“This case is a painful reminder of how dangerous measles can be, especially for our most vulnerable community members,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer. “Infants too young to be vaccinated rely on all of us to help protect them through community immunity.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,454 measles cases in the U.S. as of tuesday, with three fatalities reported nationwide.This marks the highest number of cases since 1994.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective in preventing measles after two doses. The CDC recommends children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
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