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
- 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
- Measles vaccine recommendations. CDC. September 20, 2024. Accessed September 12, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html
- 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
- 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