A school-aged child in Los Angeles County has tragically died from Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare and fatal complication of measles contracted in infancy before the child was eligible for vaccination. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers of measles, even years after the initial infection.
SSPE is a progressive neurological brain disorder that develops when the measles virus, which may remain dormant in the body after an initial infection, reactivates. It typically emerges two to 10 years after the primary measles illness, even if the patient appeared to have fully recovered. The disease is characterized by a gradual deterioration of neurological functions, including cognitive decline, behavioral changes, involuntary muscle movements, seizures, and eventually dementia, coma, and death.
The risk of developing SSPE is significantly higher for infants who contract measles before they are old enough to be vaccinated. While the general risk is estimated at about 1 in 10,000 people infected with measles in the U.S., this figure can increase dramatically to approximately 1 in 600 for infants. There is no known cure or effective treatment for SSPE, and it is almost always fatal, with death typically occurring one to three years after diagnosis.
The Importance of Vaccination and Community Immunity
This devastating case has prompted Los Angeles County health officials to re-emphasize the critical importance of measles vaccination for community protection. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis stated, “This case is a powerful reminder of how dangerous measles can be, especially for our most vulnerable community members.” He stressed that infants too young to be vaccinated rely on “community immunity” — a high vaccination rate among the general population — to shield them from the highly contagious virus.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. Two doses provide approximately 97% protection, while one dose offers about 93% protection. Routine childhood immunization schedules recommend the first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age, and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. However, infants as young as six months can receive a dose if traveling internationally, and those younger than six months are completely reliant on the immunity of those around them.
Measles Activity and Vaccination Rates
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily through the air and on surfaces. Despite being eradicated from the U.S. in 2000, sporadic cases and outbreaks continue to occur, often linked to international travel and pockets of unvaccinated individuals. In 2025, the U.S. has seen a significant number of measles cases, with over 1,454 reported nationally as of early September, many linked to outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma. In Los Angeles County, health officials have reported that the majority of measles cases have been in individuals who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Three deaths from acute measles-related complications have been reported in Los Angeles County this year, with the last case in a resident reported in August.
While California, including Los Angeles County, generally has high vaccination rates for kindergarteners (over 97% in Los Angeles County for the 2023-24 school year), there are concerns about slight declines and areas falling below the crucial 95% herd immunity threshold. Public health departments are continually working to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure widespread immunization to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
This tragic loss underscores the ongoing threat posed by measles and reinforces the vital role of vaccination in preventing not only acute illness but also severe, life-altering complications like SSPE. Health officials urge everyone to check their vaccination status and ensure they are up-to-date on their MMR immunizations.
