A child in Los Angeles has died from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal brain disorder that can surface years after a measles infection. The child contracted measles in infancy, before vaccination age, highlighting the risk for the unprotected. SSPE, though rare, is far more likely in infants — about 1 in 600 versus 1 in 10,000 overall. With vaccination rates slipping and misinformation spreading, public health officials fear more tragedies. Los Angeles County’s health officer stressed that immunization protects not only the vaccinated but also vulnerable children who cannot yet receive shots. Measles had been declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but cases have surged to a 33-year high, with multiple deaths this year. The harrowing course of SSPE underscores the irreplaceable value of community immunity. ❝This case is a painful reminder of how dangerous measles can be, especially for our most vulnerable community members.❞ Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, Ars Technica, Thu. 11-Sep-2025 ❝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 neighbours, and especially children who are too young to be vaccinated.❞ Ibid ❝This case underscores the importance of maintaining high population immunity, through routine administration of 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine to all eligible children.❞ Ibid
{𝗮𝙅𝙎𝘿}: A child in LA died of SSPE, a fatal measles brain disease caught in infancy. 𝓥𝓪𝓬𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓽. Falling rates + anti-vax lies = more needless deaths. Protect kids, protect community. #Preventable #VaccinesWork 💉👶🛡️ #EndAntiVax 🕯️
