Advice for Travelers: Protect Your Child from Measles

Advice for Travelers: How to Protect Your Child From Measles

 

Advice to Travelers: How to Protect Your Child from Measles

The measles outbreak in California Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom this past December has rehashed the heated debate about childhood vaccinations.  Many families choose not to vaccinate their children or delay vaccinations because of religious and philosophical beliefs.  The 102  people affected by this outbreak were mostly non vaccinated children.

This single outbreak has caused a panic in the travel industry.  Many resorts, cruises, and theme parks take on extra precautions to protect their guest from viruses.  Hand sanitizers, disinfecting frequently, and promoting healthy hand washing are tactics to prevent wide spread viruses.  However, when you introduce a disease such as measles there isn’t much you can do to protect a non-vaccinated child.  You can catch measles just by being in the same room with a person infected.

The CDC states that the measles is a very contagious respiratory disease that can be spread by coughing or sneezing.  Symptoms include fever, runny nose, red eyes, sore throat, and a body rash.

If you or your family are traveling this year then you need to protect your family.  The measles is still common in other parts of the world. There are an estimated 20 million measles cases reported around the world every year.

Advice for Travelers: How to Protect Your Children from Measles

Here are some steps you can take to protect your family from the measles:

1. Make sure your family all have up to date Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccinations.  If you’re  unsure, it doesn’t hurt to get an extra dose.

2. Consult your family doctor and pediatrician before your next family trip.  Your doctor has access to the most recent outbreak cases around the world including the U.S.

3. If your child is not vaccinated, keep them a safe distance away from relatives or friends that are just returning from abroad.  Measles is common in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

4. Consider avoiding large crowds such as amusement parks this summer.  Family camping is a great way to have fun without exposing your child to the measles virus.

5.  If you plan to send your child to summer camp this year find out the camp’s policy regarding vaccinations.  This will allow you to make an informed decision.

6. Stay informed.  Review the CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) for detailed information about the measle outbreaks.  Also check out World Health Organization for specific information about health alerts in the country you are planning to visit.

How to Protect Your Child from Measles

Additional resources to protect your child from Measles:

How to Protect Your Children During a Measles Outbreak 

Disney’s Measles Outbreak Came from Overseas CDC Says

CDC: Measles

Official CDC Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak 2015

9 thoughts on “Advice for Travelers: How to Protect Your Child From Measles”

  1. Thanks for the info. My children have their shots! Thank goodness, but I feel for those parents nursing children with Measles now. Who knew it was that serious. Thanks again

    1. Yes it very real. Especially for children with other ailments. A lot of adults have caught it as well. You have to make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations to.

    1. I also remember getting the chicken pox as a kid. I think the issue comes when it causes complications in small children. I’m sure where you grew up there were some common safe practices for caring for your newborn. Today you see newborns flying on a plane with no hat or blanket. YIKES!

  2. I ensure that my kids are up to date on their vaccinations although I have the pediatrician space them out. These outbreaks are definitely scary but it’s comforting to know we can protect our kids.

    1. Yes I agree. Outbreaks are very scary. I also delayed my children’s vaccines and made sure to protect them from large crowds until they were up to date.

  3. I find this whole thing to be incredibly stressful. I have three little ones and used to work at Disneyland. I am so grateful to have vaccinated them and moved away from the area before this became a major issue. Great informative post!

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