Introduction to Measles and its Complications
A school-age child in Los Angeles has died of a rare complication from measles, years after being infected with the virus. The Los Angeles health department announced the death Thursday, part of a warning to residents about the importance of getting vaccinated.
Causes and Risks of Measles
The department said the child got measles as an infant before they were eligible for their first measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot. The first dose should be given to babies at 12 to 15 months, followed by a second at 4 to 6 years. The child recovered, but years later developed a rare, progressive brain disorder known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), the department said. The condition can occur in people who had measles early in life, usually around 2 to 10 years after the initial infection.
Warning from Health Officials
“This case is a painful reminder of how dangerous measles can be, especially for our most vulnerable community members,” Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer, said in a news release. “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,” he said.
Risks and Complications of SSPE
About 1 in 10,000 people with measles later develop SSPE — but among those who are infected as infants, the risk is around 1 in 600, according to the Los Angeles health department. The condition affects the central nervous system, so people may experience seizures or lose the ability to walk before falling into a coma or vegetative state. There is no known cure or effective treatment for the disorder, and most patients die within one to three years of diagnosis.
National Measles Outbreaks and Vaccination Rates
Nationally, measles vaccination rates have dipped in recent years. Less than 93% of kindergartners in the United States received the recommended two doses during the 2023-24 school year (a rate of 95% is generally needed to curb the spread). This year marked the worst outbreak since the U.S. eliminated the disease in 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 1,454 cases since the start of the year, surpassing a previous record in 2019 driven by an outbreak in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York with low vaccination rates.
Recent Outbreaks and Misinformation
This year’s high case count was largely fueled by an outbreak in a Mennonite community in West Texas, which also has low vaccination rates. Two unvaccinated children in the community died of measles earlier in the year, as did an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico, marking the country’s first measles deaths in a decade. Public health experts say the challenge of getting measles under control this year has been compounded by misinformation from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Though Kennedy has called for people to get the MMR vaccine, he has falsely claimed that immunity from the vaccine wanes quickly, framed vaccination as a personal choice and emphasized unproven measles treatments such as steroids or antibiotics.
Importance of Vaccination
Two shots of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and typically offer lifelong protection. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death. The importance of vaccination cannot be overstated, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
Conclusion
The death of a school-age child in Los Angeles due to a rare complication from measles serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination. With national measles vaccination rates dipping in recent years and ongoing outbreaks across the country, it is crucial that individuals take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their communities. By getting vaccinated and promoting accurate information about measles and the MMR vaccine, we can work towards preventing such tragedies in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What is measles and how is it spread?
A: Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. - Q: What is SSPE and how is it related to measles?
A: Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive brain disorder that can occur in people who had measles early in life. It affects the central nervous system and can lead to seizures, loss of ability to walk, and eventually death. - Q: How effective is the MMR vaccine in preventing measles?
A: Two shots of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and typically offer lifelong protection. - Q: Why are national measles vaccination rates important?
A: National measles vaccination rates are important because a rate of 95% is generally needed to curb the spread of the disease. With current rates dipping below this threshold, the risk of outbreaks and complications increases. - Q: What can individuals do to protect themselves and their communities from measles?
A: Individuals can protect themselves and their communities by getting vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, promoting accurate information about measles and the vaccine, and supporting public health efforts to prevent outbreaks.
