The Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being this week reported the dying of a school-aged little one resulting from a uncommon complication occurring from a measles an infection skilled as an toddler.
In an announcement Thursday, the well being division mentioned the kid had turn out to be contaminated earlier than they have been eligible to obtain the measles vaccine. Their dying was resulting from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
The division described SSPE as a “rare, progressive brain disorder that is a late complication of infection from the measles virus.” It impacts roughly 1 in 10,000 individuals who get measles, however this charge jumps to 1 in 600 for many who get measles when they’re an toddler.
“SSPE usually develops two to ten years after the initial measles infection after the patient seemed to fully recover. It is characterized by a gradual and worsening loss of neurological function with death occurring one to three years after the initial diagnosis,” added the company.
In mild of the dying, the company inspired Los Angeles County households to make sure that all members are protected in opposition to measles.
Kids sometimes obtain their first dose of the measles vaccine at 12-15 months and obtain their second dose when they’re between 4 years previous and 6 years previous.
This dying comes simply weeks after the measles outbreak in West Texas was declared over. Greater than 700 circumstances have been finally confirmed within the Texas outbreak, inflicting two deaths of school-aged youngsters who have been unvaccinated and had no underlying circumstances.
“This case is a painful reminder of how dangerous measles can be, especially for our most vulnerable community members,” Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County well being officer, mentioned in an announcement.
“Infants too young to be vaccinated rely on all of us to help protect them through community immunity. Vaccination is not just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting your family, your neighbors, and especially children who are too young to be vaccinated.”
