• A Los Angeles County child died from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis after an infant measles infection.
• The child's measles infection occurred before they were eligible for vaccination.
• Health officials urge increased vaccination rates to prevent future cases.
• The U.S. has seen a surge in measles cases this year, driven by declining vaccination rates.
• SSPE affects approximately one in 600 infants who contract measles before vaccination.

A school-aged child in Los Angeles County has tragically died from a rare complication of measles following an infection acquired during infancy, as reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The child was not yet eligible for the measles vaccine at the time of infection. The cause of death was identified as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a progressive brain disorder that can develop after a measles infection, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 cases. The risk is heightened to 1 in 600 for infants who contract the virus before receiving their vaccination, experts note. This serves as a reminder of the risks associated with measles not only during the immediate illness but also in the subsequent years, according to LA Times, SFGate, and Reuters.

The unfortunate case emphasizes the critical importance of community immunity and timely vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations like infants. Dr. Muntu Davis, the LA County Health Officer, highlighted the need for collective responsibility in protecting those too young to be vaccinated, stating, “This case is a painful reminder of how dangerous measles can be, especially for our most vulnerable community members.” Vaccination rates have decreased in the United States, falling below the critical 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity, raising alarms about future outbreaks, as indicated in reports from both LA Times and Reuters.

As of September 9, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,454 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. so far this year, with outbreaks being particularly serious in states like Texas and New Mexico due to declining vaccination rates. This year's case count is alarming, marking the highest figure since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Local health officials advise the public to review immunization records and ensure that all eligible family members are vaccinated, especially before traveling to areas where measles outbreaks are reported, according to SFGate and Reuters.