You might know that SSPE is a late complication of a natural measles infection.
But did you know that having congenital measles likely puts your baby at greater risk for SSPE?
Who Is at the Highest Risk for SSPE?
While the overall risk is for younger children with measles, the highest risk might be for those who are born with measles.
What else?
These children who were born with measles can:
develop SSPE after a shorter latency period - typically months to a few years instead of the more typical 7-10 years we see in older children
have an aggressive SSPE course that is rapidly progressive, going from having their first symptoms to dying in a matter of months, instead of the more typical years we see in older children
And yes, there have been many such cases.
It’s a good reminder of why everyone should be sure that they are vaccinated and protected, with two doses of the MMR vaccine, before they ever think about getting pregnant.