Six weeks ago, Ethan was a typical 7-year-old, enjoying bike rides and playing Minecraft. Now, he lies in a hospital bed with measles encephalitis, a complication causing brain swelling and inflammation. His father, Luis, described him as 'pretty much as if he was paralyzed.'
Ethan's parents chose not to vaccinate him against measles, unlike his three brothers. Three of the four boys contracted the virus. Despite Ethan's severe condition, his mother, Kristina, stands by their decision. 'If I knew this could be the outcome, I still wouldn't have given my son the vaccine,' she said, citing concerns about 'unnecessary stuff' in vaccines.
The family lives in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, the epicentre of a measles outbreak that has seen 962 confirmed cases since September 2025. The outbreak has been fuelled by declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr's anti-vaccine policies, which medical experts say have undermined public trust.
Kristina's anti-vaccine stance is based on anecdotal evidence from friends and online sources. She questioned the number of vaccines recommended for children, echoing sentiments shared by Kennedy and President Donald Trump. About 1 in 1,000 children who contract measles develop encephalitis, which can cause permanent brain damage and is fatal in 10-15% of cases.
Ethan fell ill on January 21 with a severe rash and fever. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he lost his appetite and strength. His father, an electrician, has been unable to work while caring for Ethan. The family's other three boys are being looked after by an uncle.
