A Re-emergence of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in the United Kingdom

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2023 Jan 1;42(1):82-84. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003744. Epub 2022 Oct 12.

Abstract

New pediatric and adult subacute sclerosing panencephalitis cases between 1996 and 2020 were reported based on an established UK registry with no evidence of under-ascertainment using a separate pediatric surveillance system. After 15 years with no pediatric UK-acquired cases, 3 cases arose from 2017 after increased measles. Modeling suggested this was in line with measles notifications, underreporting of laboratory-confirmed measles or increased subacute sclerosing panencephalitis risk.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis* / diagnosis
  • Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis* / epidemiology
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology