Navigating Summer Vacation during Texas Measles Outbreak
Summer vacation plans are underway, but so is a measles outbreak in Texas. A Cook Children’s doctor shares advice on how to enjoy your travels without a potential doctor's visit.
The first outbreak-related cases were reported on May 13 in Collin and Rockwall counties. Alice Phillips, M.D., director of ambulatory quality and safety, advises parents to be aware but not alarmed.
“These cases remain small in our region. If your children are vaccinated, nothing about activities needs to change,” Dr. Phillips said.
Cook Children’s Health Care System continues to work with local public health departments on any report of measles cases. The Texas Department of State Health Services in April recommended that children between 6 months to 11 months traveling to or living in an area with an active measles outbreak receive a vaccination.
Dr. Phillips explained that the best way to protect a child from measles is the MMR vaccine. One dose offers 93% protection, and two doses provide 97% protection against the virus.
DSHS has designated these counties as outbreak areas: Cochran, Dawson, Gaines, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum.
Currently, the Tarrant and Denton County health departments, where Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth and Prosper are located, have not issued this recommendation.
“If that changes due to a rise in cases, we will update,” said Dr. Phillips.
However, Dr. Phillips noted that families planning to travel outside of the United States, should be aware of regions where the MMR and/or Hepatitis A, vaccine is recommended for infants between 6 and 12 months. She encourages parents to check with their pediatrician.
“If your kids are vaccinated, they are safe and protected,” said Dr. Phillips.
If a child is under 6 months old or those who cannot be vaccinated, she shares these tips:
- Avoid contact with anyone sick, who has known measles, or any ill family members.
- When traveling, consider sitting at a distance from others while waiting at the airport.
- Consider whether travel at that age is safe, or could it be postponed just a few months to allow the child to be immunized?
If traveling outside of the U.S. to an area under an outbreak:
- Infants 6-12 months should receive an MMR and/or a Hepatitis A vaccine before traveling.
- Vaccination should be done at least two weeks before travel.
- A second dose of the MMR vaccine can be administered four weeks after the first, if traveling to a high-risk area.
