Subakut skleroserende panencefalitis

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, fatal complication of measles, manifesting years after infection due to persistent measles virus in the central nervous system. An 11-year-old Syrian boy with prior measles and measles - mumps - rubella (MMR) vaccination developed progressive encephalopathy and a vegetative state. MRI showed diffuse white matter, thalamic, and pontine changes; SSPE was confirmed post-mortem. This case emphasises the need for high MMR vaccine coverage and the importance of clinical awareness of rare infectious diseases in patients from crisis-affected countries.