As spring break approaches, many families are getting ready to go on vacation. However, the current measles outbreak adds an extra layer of complexity to travel planning. As a parent, your top priority is keeping your loved ones safe and healthy while still enjoying some well-deserved family time.

Understanding the current measles situation

The recent measles outbreak has raised significant concerns for travelers. Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. With several states reporting cases, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your family.

Vaccination: Your first line of defense

Before hitting the road or boarding a plane, ensure your entire family is up to date on measles vaccinations — 97% of cases in the current Texas outbreak occurred in people who were not vaccinated against measles.

• Check vaccination records for all family members.
• Check in with your pediatrician to confirm your children have received their age-appropriate doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
• Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel to see if there are any outbreaks or circulating virus at your chosen destination.
• Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune, but those born after should verify their vaccination status.

Travel preparation checklist

Before you leave

• Consult your pediatrician about your specific travel plans. Some children ages 6-11 months may be able to get a dose MMR vaccine before their routinely.scheduled vaccination if they are traveling to a high-risk area.
• Keep in mind that it takes ~14 days to develop adequate measles immunity after the MMR vaccines, so plan ahead if possible!
• Pack hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and extra masks.
• Research current outbreak areas and potential exposure risks.
• Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

During travel

• Practice rigorous hand hygiene.
• Avoid close contact with individuals showing signs of illness.
• Choose less crowded travel times and destinations.
• Keep vaccination cards easily accessible and consider taking a photo of your family’s vaccination cards or records for easy access on your phone.

Recognizing measles symptoms

Know what to look out for. Early measles symptoms include:

• High fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Small white spots inside the mouth

If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers about potential exposure.

Additional travel safety tips

1. Choose destinations wisely: Some locations may have higher outbreak risks. Check CDC travel advisories and local health department websites.
2. Stay informed: Follow local and national health updates throughout your trip.
3. Have a backup plan: Know the locations of medical facilities at your destination in case of emergency.

When to reconsider travel

Consider postponing or modifying travel plans if:

• You have infants too young to be vaccinated.
• Family members have compromised immune systems.
• Outbreak areas (such as West Texas/Eastern New Mexico domestically or Central Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia internationally) overlap with your planned destination.

Maintaining perspective

While the current measles outbreak is concerning, don’t let fear completely derail your family’s spring break plans. With proper preparation, vaccination and cautious behavior, you can significantly reduce risks and still enjoy quality family time.