Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

Why in News?

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) remains a serious health concern in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh due to low measles vaccination coverage.

SSPE was a progressive and fatal brain disorder that appears years after a person contracts measles.
Causes
- Normally, the measles virus does not cause brain damage. However, an abnormal immune response to measles or, possibly, certain variant forms of the virus may cause severe illness and death.
- This response leads to brain inflammation (swelling and irritation) that may last for years.
Symptoms
- Cognitive decline, leading to difficulty and understanding, behavioral changes, such as increased irritability and personal shifts;
- Seizures and muscle jerks resembling epilepsy;
- Motor impairment affecting coordination and walking and gradual loss of SSPE, though some treatments can slow its progression.
Diagnosis-Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, electroencephalography (EEG), imaging studies (CT or MRI), cerebrospinal fluid examination, and measles serologic testing.
A brain biopsy may be indicated when CSF serology is negative or equivocal.
High-risk groups - Males are more often affected than females. The disease generally occurs in children and adolescents.
Prevention – Timely measles vaccination.
Treatment – There is no permanent cure for SSPE. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
Prevalence - SSPE has been reported in all parts of the world, but in western countries it is a rare disease. Very few cases are seen in the United States.

Government Initiatives to eliminate Measles

Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) - India is conducting rounds of IMI 5.0, focusing on identifying and vaccinating all unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children up to five years of age.
Measles & Rubella (MR) vaccine is part of Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)