In a heart-wrenching account, Jo Walton shares the devastating loss of her daughter, Sarah, who succumbed to a rare neurological condition linked to measles, 25 years after initially contracting the virus as an infant. With a recent surge in measles cases in London, Jo is urging parents to vaccinate their children with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to prevent similar tragedies.
A Life Altered by Measles
Sarah Walton was just 11 months old when she contracted measles at nursery, a time when she was ineligible for the MMR vaccine. Fortunately, she made a full recovery and enjoyed a vibrant childhood, excelling in academics and sports. However, at the age of 25, Sarah began experiencing troubling symptoms resembling those of a stroke, which ultimately led to a devastating diagnosis of subacute sclerosing pan-encephalitis (SSPE), a rare but serious complication of measles.
SSPE affects approximately 1 in 50,000 individuals who have had measles, typically manifesting five to 15 years post-infection. It is a progressive neurological disorder caused by a mutation of the measles virus and is known to be terminal. Tragically, after 20 years of battling the condition, Sarah passed away in February 2025, leaving behind a grieving mother who now advocates fiercely for vaccination.
A Mother’s Call to Action
In light of the rising measles cases in the UK, particularly in Enfield, where over 60 infections have been reported, Jo Walton is determined to share her daughter’s story. She wants to raise awareness about the importance of the MMR vaccine to prevent the suffering that SSPE inflicts.
Jo expressed her sorrow, stating, “Sarah’s fondest hope, when she discovered how ill she was, was that nobody else would go through what she was going through. It is so awful watching your child go backwards, and it doesn’t matter how old that child is.” She emphasised that measles itself can be lethal and can lead to lifelong disabilities or devastating neurological illnesses like SSPE.
The Importance of Vaccination
The rise in measles cases has sparked national concern, particularly as vaccination rates have declined. Public health officials stress that the MMR vaccine is crucial in preventing outbreaks and protecting children from severe complications.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported that since 2009, there have been six fatalities linked to SSPE, underscoring the critical need for vaccination. Jo urges parents to take action, saying, “It is possible to stop your child or other children dying as a result of measles. Measles is evil, and it should be vaccinated against.”
Understanding Measles Symptoms
Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms, followed by a distinctive rash that appears several days later. Parents should be vigilant for signs of measles, including fever, cough, runny nose, and the characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads. The NHS advises parents to contact their GP or NHS 111 if they suspect their child may have measles.
Additionally, awareness campaigns, such as the Flames initiative by Encephalitis International, aim to educate the public about symptoms of encephalitis, which can include severe headaches, memory issues, and seizures.
Why it Matters
The heartbreaking story of Sarah Walton serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of vaccine hesitancy. As outbreaks of measles continue to emerge, it is vital for parents to understand the importance of vaccination in safeguarding their children’s health. Jo Walton’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action against preventable diseases, ensuring that no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to a vaccine-preventable illness.
