Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis epidemiology and demographics

SSPE is an incredibly rare condition although there is still relatively high incidence in Asia and the Middle East. However, the number of reported cases is declining since the introduction of the measles vaccine — eradication of the measles virus prevents the SSPE mutation and therefore the progression of the disease or even the initial infection itself.

The disease generally occurs in children and adolescents.

Males are more often affected than females.

SSPE has been reported in all parts of the world, but in western countries it is considered a rare disease. Fewer than 10 cases per year are reported in the United States, a dramatic decrease that followed the nationwide measles immunization program.

In some countries like India, over 2 cases of SSPE per 100,000 people are reported each year.

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