Child Dies From Measles Complication Years After Infection: LA Health Officials

LOS ANGELES, CA — A child in Los Angeles County has died due to rare complications from a measles infection, prompting health officials Thursday to urge residents to ensure they and their families are vaccinated against the illness.

The child, described only as "school-aged," was infected with measles as an infant, before being old enough to receive the measles vaccine, which is generally administered between 12 and 15 months of age, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The child recovered from the measles illness, but later developed and died from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Also known as SSPE, the rare complication is almost always fatal and can occur in people who had measles early in life, officials said.

"This case is a powerful reminder of how dangerous measles can be, especially for our most vulnerable community members," County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement.

Infants too young to be vaccinated rely on maternal antibodies and community immunity to reduce the risk of exposure to measles, Davis said.

Measles In The U.S.

As of earlier this month, a total of 1,454 measles cases were reported in the U.S. this year. Most of the cases are linked to a measles outbreak in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma, accordion got health officials.

The majority of cases were in people who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. About 12% of the cases required hospitalization or isolation, and three people died from acute measles-related complications, county officials said.

The last case in LA County was reported in August. That was one of eight measles cases recorded in people who were in the county while infectious, health officials said.

• Related: LAX Traveler Was Infected With Measles, Officials Say

More About Measles

Measles is highly contagious, and can be prevented with a vaccine. County health officials insisted that the measles-mumps-rubella, MMR, vaccine is effective and remains the best protection against measles and its potentially serious complications.

Children typically receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age, and a second dose at four to six years. Infants six to 11 months of age should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine before traveling internationally or through an international hub, health officials said.

If symptoms do develop — such as fever (often higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, runny nose, red eyes or a rash — residents should stay at home and avoid school, work and any gatherings, and call a healthcare provider immediately, officials said. Patients should not go into a health care facility without calling first.

The Department of Public Health urged county residents to check their immunization status, notify a healthcare provider if someone is at a higher risk, and watch for symptoms and take immediate actions if symptoms develop.

More About SSPE

The disorder develops two to 10 years after the initial measles infection, after the patient has seemingly fully recovered.

It is characterized by a gradual loss of neurological function, with death occurring one to three years after the initial diagnosis.

There is no cure or effective treatment for SSPE. It affects about 1 in 10,000 people with measles, but the risk may be much higher — about 1 in 600 — for those who get measles as infants, county officials noted.

More information on clinics that offer free or low-cost immunization services, can be found on the county DPH website or by calling the Public Health InfoLine at 833-540-0473.

City News Service contributed to this report.