Doctors warn that missed measles vaccines during the pandemic increase viral infection and SSPE risk. Unicef reported that many children’s normal vaccines were delayed between 2021 and 2022, emphasizing the necessity for vaccination.
According to doctors, skipping measles immunizations during the pandemic could lead to viral infection and SSP.
Unicef data reveals many kids’ routine immunizations were postponed in 2021–2022.
This disturbing trend was highlighted by KGMU neurology department chair Prof. RK Garg, who warned of SSPE in unvaccinated children.
Continuous measles virus infection causes degenerative brain disease SSPE. It causes brain and spinal cord inflammation and irreparable damage.
Seizures, cognitive deterioration, and mobility issues concern SSPE children. Antiviral drugs can halt the disease, but there is no cure. Garg stresses the importance of measles immunization in preventing SSPE.
Vaccinating against measles is simple yet effective. Parents must vaccinate their children, including measles. This decision can spare them much misery, he said.
Garg warns of a troubling rise in SSPE cases in India due to vaccination program setbacks and decreased public understanding of measles vaccination relevance.
Dr. Ravi Yadav, a researcher at NIMHANS, Bangalore, agrees with Dr. Garg and underlined the importance of measles immunization to avert catastrophes and ensure children’s health.
Conclusion
Missed measles vaccines during the pandemic may increase the risk of viral infection and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, doctors say. Unicef data suggests many children’s routine vaccines were delayed between 2021 and 2022. Chronic measles virus infection causes convulsions, cognitive decline, and movement impairments in SSPE, a degenerative brain condition. SSPE cases in India have skyrocketed due to the pandemic.
