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Los Angeles Measles Death Highlights Vaccine Importance

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Los Angeles county‍ Reports ⁢Death⁤ of Child from Rare Measles Complication

LOS ANGELES, CA – September ⁤12, 2025 ‌- Los Angeles County public health officials ⁤have confirmed⁣ the death of a​ child from​ Subacute​ Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare and fatal brain disorder that can develop years after⁣ a⁢ measles infection. The ⁤death, reported September ​11, 2025, underscores the long-term risks associated with measles and the critical importance​ of vaccination.

SSPE typically occurs 7 to⁢ 10 years following ​full recovery from ⁣measles and ⁤is invariably fatal,⁤ with patients‌ surviving ‌only‍ 2 to 3 ⁢years ​after⁢ diagnosis.1

The case⁤ emerges against the ⁤backdrop of ⁢a​ significant national ‍measles outbreak and ‌declining vaccination rates fueled by growing skepticism towards medical science. As of September 10, 2025, over 1400 measles cases have been recorded ⁤in⁣ the‌ United States, representing ⁢the largest outbreak since measles was declared eradicated in 2000. This⁣ surpasses a 2019 outbreak in⁢ New york Orthodox Jewish communities, which ⁣also experienced lower vaccination rates.3,4

Health officials emphasize the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, which provides 97% protection against measles with two doses.2 Despite this high efficacy, vaccine hesitancy remains a persistent‍ challenge.

Pharmacists are​ positioned as key resources for vaccine education and access, helping to inform families about the importance of the MMR vaccine and contributing to community protection. The tragic case highlights the urgent need for ‌widespread vaccination to safeguard vulnerable individuals who are not yet⁢ eligible ⁤for⁢ vaccination.

REFERENCES

  1. Public health reminds residents about the importance of measles ⁤vaccination⁣ following⁣ the death of ‌a child from a measles-related complication.County of ⁤Los Angeles Public Health. ‌September ⁣11, 2025.⁢ Accessed September 12, 2025.⁤ http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=5135
  2. Measles vaccine recommendations. CDC. September 20, 2024.‌ Accessed September 12, 2025.⁢ https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html
  3. Gerlach⁤ A. Measles outbreak update, Florida Surgeon General ⁣announces plan to ‍remove vaccine mandates in schools. Pharmacy Times. September 10, 2025.⁤ Accessed september 12, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/measles-outbreak-update-florida-surgeon-general-announces-plan-to-remove-vaccine-mandates-in-schools
  4. Bendix​ A. Los Angeles​ child ​dies from rare measles complication years⁤ after recovery. NBC News. September⁢ 11, 2025. Accessed September 12, 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/los-angeles-child-dies-rare-measles-complication-years-after-recovery-rcna230675
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Health

Texas Measles Outbreak Ends After Deadly Surge

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Measles ⁢Outbreak in Texas Officially Over, But Vigilance Remains Key

Table of Contents

A meaningful measles⁢ outbreak centered in West Texas, considered one of‍ the largest and⁤ most severe in decades, has been declared ‌officially ‍over by state health officials as of ‍Monday.This announcement follows more than 42 days without any newly reported cases ⁢in the previously affected counties. This timeframe aligns with public health protocols, indicating two full measles incubation periods have passed without further⁢ transmission.

outbreak Statistics and Impact

Since late January, texas confirmed ⁤at​ least 762 measles cases linked to the outbreak, resulting in nearly 100 hospitalizations. Tragically, the outbreak claimed the‍ lives of two⁣ school-aged ‍children – the first measles-related deaths in ​the United States‍ since 2015.‌ Over two-thirds of all ‍cases occurred in children.

Metric Value
Total Cases (Texas) 762+
Hospitalizations Nearly⁣ 100
Fatalities (Texas) 2 (school-aged children)
U.S.​ Cases (2024) 1,350+
Percentage ⁤of Unvaccinated Cases ~92%

Cases associated with the Texas‌ outbreak were also⁤ reported ‍in neighboring states, including New mexico ‍- where ​one ‌death occurred – ‍as well ⁣as Oklahoma and possibly Kansas. New Mexico recently‌ reported three additional cases on‍ Thursday, bringing their‌ total to 100 for the year, though​ a direct link to the ⁤Texas outbreak is still being investigated.

National ​Context and Vaccination‌ Rates

The outbreak in texas contributed ⁣substantially to a nationwide‌ surge in measles cases. The U.S. has recorded⁤ over 1,350 ‍cases⁤ this ⁤year,‍ exceeding levels seen in over three decades and​ marking a concerning reversal since measles was declared‍ eliminated in the country⁤ in 2000. cases‍ in Texas represent more than half‍ of the⁤ national total.

The majority of cases in Texas were concentrated in​ and ⁢around Gaines County, an area with notably low measles vaccination rates ‍among kindergartners. Data from the U.S. Centers for ‌Disease‍ Control and prevention‍ (CDC) reveals that approximately 92% of outbreak-related ⁣cases⁢ nationwide involved individuals who were unvaccinated.⁣ Only about 8% of cases occurred ⁤in⁢ people with‍ at least one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine (CDC).

Did You Know?⁤ Measles ‌is one of the most contagious viruses known,capable⁣ of spreading through the air‍ when an infected‌ person coughs or sneezes.

Ongoing Threat and Public‌ health Response

Despite the end of this particular ​outbreak, Texas ⁣health officials emphasize that the‍ threat of measles has not vanished. Ongoing outbreaks in North America and globally increase the likelihood of future cases within Texas. Healthcare providers are urged to remain vigilant and promptly test‌ patients exhibiting symptoms ⁣consistent with ‌measles.

Dr. Jennifer Shuford, commissioner of the Texas Department of⁤ State Health ⁢Services, praised the efforts of⁢ public health‍ professionals across the state. “I want to highlight ⁣the tireless work of the ​public health professionals⁣ across⁢ the state ⁣who contributed to the ‍containment of one of the most contagious viruses. We arrived at this‌ point through a extensive outbreak response that included testing, vaccination,⁣ disease monitoring and educating the public ⁣about measles ⁣through awareness campaigns,” she stated. “I​ also want to recognize the ⁣many ⁣health care‍ professionals‍ who identified and ‌treated cases of a virus⁢ that most providers had never seen in person before this outbreak.”

Pro Tip: The MMR vaccine⁤ is highly effective​ in preventing measles.Two doses are recommended for most individuals.

at least 41 states have reported measles cases this year, and vaccination coverage among kindergartners has⁤ declined. For the ‌2024-25 school year, ‌a record number ​of ⁣incoming⁢ kindergartners have exemptions for required vaccines, often based‌ on personal or religious beliefs (Kcra.com).

What factors contribute to declining​ vaccination rates,and how⁣ can public health officials address vaccine hesitancy? What measures can‍ be taken to ensure ‍equitable access to vaccination services for all communities?

Measles: A Persistent Global Threat

Measles ⁤remains a significant ⁢public health ‌concern globally,particularly in regions with low vaccination rates. The World‍ Health Institution (WHO) reports a​ resurgence ⁢of measles cases in many parts of‌ the world, ⁤driven by factors such as ​conflict, displacement, and declining immunization coverage. According‌ to ⁣the ⁤WHO, in 2022, there⁤ were an estimated 9 million‌ measles cases and 136,000 ‌deaths globally (WHO). Maintaining high ‌vaccination rates is crucial to prevent​ outbreaks⁢ and ⁣protect vulnerable populations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Measles

  • What ‌are the​ symptoms of measles? Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery ‍eyes. A rash ⁤develops a few days later, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
  • How is measles ⁣spread? Measles is spread through the air⁢ when an infected person coughs or ⁢sneezes.It is highly contagious.
  • Is⁤ the measles vaccine safe? The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Serious side⁢ effects are rare.
  • Can‌ adults get measles? Yes, adults ‍who were not vaccinated as children or who have never‍ had measles are⁤ susceptible to the virus.
  • What should I ⁣do if I think I have measles? Contact‌ yoru healthcare provider promptly. Avoid contact with others to⁣ prevent spreading​ the virus.

This concludes our​ coverage ⁢of the Texas ​measles outbreak. ⁤We encourage you to ​share ‍this data‍ with your friends and family to⁢ promote awareness and encourage vaccination. Stay informed ⁣and stay healthy!

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Health

Varicella Vaccine Encephalitis Risk Update – EMA Recommendations

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Chickenpox Vaccine product Facts Updated Following Fatal Encephalitis Case

Amsterdam, NL – The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has recommended an update to the product information for the varicella (chickenpox) vaccines Varilrix and Varivax. This change aims to provide more detailed information regarding the severity of the risk for encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain.

The recommendation follows a safety review initiated after a fatal case of encephalitis occurred in a child in Poland shortly after receiving Varilrix,a live-attenuated varicella vaccine. The updated product information will now explicitly acknowledge encephalitis as a known, albeit rare, adverse reaction to live-attenuated varicella vaccines, including instances with fatal outcomes.

Healthcare providers are urged to advise patients and their caregivers to seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms suggestive of brain inflammation arise after vaccination. These symptoms can include persistent headaches, altered mental status, or seizures.

The update also serves as a crucial reminder for clinicians to thoroughly assess patients for any immunocompromising conditions before administering live vaccines. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of comprehensive post-vaccination counseling for patients and their families.

This revised guidance will also apply to combination measles,mumps,rubella,and varicella (MMRV) vaccines,such as Priorix-Tetra and ProQuad,which contain the same live-attenuated varicella component. The updated product information for these vaccines will include more specific descriptions of encephalitis symptoms and their typical timing, empowering both clinicians and patients to recognize early warning signs and seek timely medical intervention.

While these updates address potential risks, it is vital to note that serious neurological events associated with varicella vaccines remain exceptionally rare. A 2024 case series analyzing 15 years of data documented 20 instances of varicella vaccine-associated meningitis or encephalitis in immunocompetent children and adolescents. These cases, identified through advanced diagnostic methods, underscore the rarity of such occurrences.

A comprehensive global review of live-attenuated varicella vaccines, spanning 22 years and analyzing over 212 million doses administered between 1995 and 2017, indicated a meaningful decrease in common adverse events over time. Serious adverse events were found to be extremely rare, occurring at a rate of 0.8 per million doses. More recently, a Chinese postmarketing study involving over 7.4 million administered doses also reported a low incidence of serious adverse events.

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Health

Measles outbreak hits 25-year high in US with over 1,200 cases – Healthcare News

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Measles Roars Back: US Faces Highest Cases in Decades

The U.S. is grappling with a significant resurgence of measles, as confirmed cases have soared to levels unseen in 25 years, raising concerns among health officials and potentially jeopardizing the nation’s “measles-free” status.

Alarming Rise in Measles Cases

New data from Johns Hopkins University reveals over 1,270 confirmed measles cases in the United States this year. The previous high was 1,274 cases in 2019. Health experts suggest the real number could be higher, as many cases are not reported. Sadly, measles has already claimed three lives this year.

Texas Outbreak Fuels National Spread

West Texas is at the center of the outbreak, with over 750 cases reported since January. Gaines County, with its low childhood vaccination rates, is the epicenter. The outbreak has extended to New Mexico and Oklahoma, possibly linking to cases in Kansas. Measles has been reported in at least 38 states, with 27 separate outbreaks, according to CNN.

Why Now? Falling Vaccination Rates Blamed

The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 due to widespread MMR vaccine use. However, falling vaccination rates are allowing it to return. Only 93.1% of children aged 19-35 months received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine in 2022, below the Healthy People 2030 target of 94.3% (CDC, 2023).

Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned, “With an ongoing measles outbreak and routine child vaccination rates declining, this move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses.”

Impact on Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 30% of this year’s measles cases are in children under 5. About 1 in 8 infected people have been hospitalized, and the vast majority were unvaccinated. The MMR vaccine provides 93% protection with one dose and 97% with two.

States Respond with Early Vaccinations

Some states now allow infants to get their first MMR shot at 6 months old, instead of 12. Early vaccination rates have increased, nearly doubling in New Mexico and jumping in Texas, where Truveta reports that approximately 1 in 5 children in Texas got their first MMR dose before their first birthday in March and April 2024, which is eight times higher than in 2019.

Vaccine Hesitancy Adds to the Crisis

Public health experts warn that growing mistrust in vaccines and leadership changes worsen the situation. The CDC still lacks a director, and the US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for past anti-vaccine statements, recently dismissed the vaccine expert panel that advises national policy.

Although Kennedy made a public statement supporting vaccines in April, his past comments and new appointees have raised concerns among doctors and health officials.

Losing “Measles-Free” Status?

Since 2000, the US has typically seen around 180 measles cases annually. Experts now fear that if the current Texas outbreak continues into 2026, the US could lose its measles-elimination status.

The Path Forward

As measles cases surge and vaccination rates decline, health leaders urge parents to protect their children and communities by staying up-to-date on vaccinations.

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Health

2 confirmed measles cases reported in King County

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Measles Cases Rise in King County, Public Health Warns

Public health officials in Seattle are alerting the public about a recent uptick in measles cases. Two new infections have been confirmed, prompting warnings about potential exposure at various locations throughout the county. Officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread.

New Cases Confirmed

Officials from Public Health – Seattle & King County have reported two new measles cases. The affected individuals, a child and an adult family member, reside in the same household. These individuals visited multiple locations in King County while contagious, raising concerns about potential exposure to the public.

According to health officials, the initial exposure likely stemmed from an international visitor who reported feeling ill. This visitor has since left the county, and their measles status remains unknown. The child had received one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, while the adult’s vaccination status is unconfirmed.

Potential Exposure Locations

The infected individuals visited several public locations. Anyone who was at these locations during the listed times should check their MMR vaccination records. If you develop a fever or unexplained rash, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Expert Advice

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now advises anyone traveling internationally to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before their trip, stated by Meagan Kay, a medical epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. She also added the importance of getting vaccinated at least two weeks prior to travel to allow your body to build immunity.

“With more measles cases globally and in the U.S., if you are planning to travel, make sure you’re up to date on all your vaccinations,”

—Meagan Kay, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County

Measles is a highly contagious disease, with a single infected person capable of infecting up to nine out of ten unvaccinated people nearby. Vaccination offers safe and effective protection against measles, with two doses of the MMR vaccine being about 97% effective (CDC, 2024).

What to do

If you were in the exposure areas, public health says you could become sick between June 21 and July 13. Those who are immunocompromised might take longer to show symptoms.

If you are not up to date on vaccinations and were at any of the locations at the times listed, public health said you would become sick between June 21 and July 13.

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