By DEVI SHASTRI
A college-age little one has died from a uncommon complication of measles contracted in infancy, Los Angeles County well being officers mentioned Thursday.
The kid, who had been too younger to be vaccinated once they have been contaminated by the virus, died of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, based on the county well being division. The incurable dysfunction causes progressive mind injury and is sort of universally deadly.
About 1 in 10,000 individuals who get measles develops the dysfunction, however the threat is 1 in 600 for infants.
“This case is a painful reminder of how harmful measles will be, particularly for our most susceptible neighborhood members,” mentioned Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County well being officer. “Infants too younger to be vaccinated depend on all of us to assist shield them by neighborhood immunity.”
This has been the worst yr for measles within the U.S. in additional than three many years, as childhood vaccination charges decline and home and worldwide outbreaks have unfold. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention confirmed 1,454 instances as of Tuesday. Three individuals have died.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is secure and is 97% efficient at stopping measles after two doses. Medical doctors suggest children get a shot at 12-15 months previous and a second one at age 4-6 years.
The Related Press Well being and Science Division receives assist from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Division of Science Schooling and the Robert Wooden Johnson Basis. The AP is solely chargeable for all content material.
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