K.M. v. HHS - MMR, cellulitis requiring irrigation and debridement, resulting in a scar (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On December 19, 2024, Nathan and Jamie Mielke filed a petition on behalf of their minor child, K.M. They alleged that K.M. suffered cellulitis requiring irrigation and debridement, leaving a scar, as a result of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine he received on November 16, 2022.
Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report filed December 30, 2025. Respondent stated that a preponderance of the medical evidence established that K.M.'s right-arm injury was caused in fact by the MMR vaccine, that no other cause had been identified, and that medical records showed residual effects for more than six months.
Special Master Jennifer A. Shah found K.M. entitled to compensation on December 31, 2025.
The public ruling does not provide the onset story, hospital or surgical records, or treatment details, and it states that damages should be limited to the right-arm injury and related sequelae. Damages remained pending.
Theory of causation
MMR vaccine November 16, 2022 causing right-arm cellulitis requiring irrigation/debridement and resulting scar in K.M., a minor child; exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; damages pending. Respondent conceded off-Table causation-in-fact, no other cause, and residual effects over six months; damages scope limited to right-arm injury and sequelae. Public ruling lacks onset/surgical detail. SM Jennifer A. Shah; petition December 19, 2024; decision December 31, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-02086