In News:

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) has emerged as a public health concern in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Lucknow, due to poor measles vaccination coverage. Despite being rare globally, cases remain alarmingly high in regions with incomplete immunisation.

About SSPE:

• SSPE is a progressive and fatal neurological disorder that appears several years after a person has recovered from measles (rubeola).
• It is caused by a persistent measles virus in the brain, which triggers chronic inflammation and gradual destruction of nerve cells.
• Though globally rare, SSPE is more prevalent in areas with low immunisation rates. Males and children from low-income families are more commonly affected.

Symptoms:

• Early signs: cognitive decline, poor academic performance, behavioural changes (irritability, hallucinations), and sleep disturbances.
• Progression: seizures, involuntary muscle jerks, speech deterioration, visual impairment, and motor dysfunction.
• Advanced stage: muscle rigidity, difficulty swallowing, risk of aspiration pneumonia, coma, and eventual death.

Treatment & Prevention:

• No cure exists, and the mortality rate approaches 100%.
• Treatment focuses on symptom management; antiviral and immune-boosting drugs may slow progression.
• Timely measles vaccination is the only effective prevention strategy.

Significance for Public Health:

• SSPE underscores the critical importance of achieving universal immunisation coverage.
• Experts recommend stronger awareness campaigns and better enforcement of the Universal ImmunisationProgramme (UIP) to eliminate measles and prevent SSPE.