The Measles Outbreak
With measles cases on the rise, many parents of infants and toddlers are understandably concerned about how this outbreak could affect their little ones. According to a report from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Gaines County currently has the highest number of confirmed cases, followed by Terry County. Overall 400 cases have been identified since late January with about one-third being between under 5 years old. This measles outbreak in Texas is part of a broader increase in cases across the country.
Because infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable, it’s important to understand the risks and ways to protect them. Nearly 1 in 3 children under age five who contract measles require hospitalization, according to HealthyChildren.org. While this may sound alarming, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to keep your child safe.
Can I Vaccinate My Baby?
The CDC recommends that children receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine and the earliest and 1st dose must be between 12-15 months old. However, in some situations such as outbreaks or international travel, a baby may sometimes be vaccinated as early as 6 months of age.
According to CBC News, babies as young as 3 days old are also receiving injections of immunoglobulin which is an antibody that helps protect their fragile immune system from infections. However, It is best to speak with your pediatrician to determine the best course of action.
Is Immunity Passed on from Mother to Baby?
It is widely believed that mothers naturally pass on measles immunity to their babies, but recent studies have revealed that this immunity fades away within as little as 3 months. This leaves infants vulnerable to the infection until they are vaccinated. Additionally, the measles vaccine is less effective in young infants so other precautions are needed before and after vaccination to reduce exposure.
Can Breastfeeding Protect Against Measles?
For infants too young to be vaccinated, breastfeeding provides valuable immune support. This is due to the antibodies that are found in breast milk which can prevent and fight against measles and other infections. While breastfeeding alone is not a substitute for vaccination, it can serve as an extra layer of protection, particularly in the first few months of life.
Other Tips to Protect Your Baby
If your baby is too young to receive the vaccine, there are still additional steps that you can take to further mitigate risk.
- Limit Exposure: It is important to limit your baby’s exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone who may be ill.
- Disinfect Frequently: Ensure that surfaces in your home are regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent germs and viruses from spreading.
- Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands frequently and keep a hand sanitizer with you that could also be used by others who come in contact with you or your child.
- Speak to A Pediatrician: A qualified pediatrician will be able to assess risks, detect early symptoms and recommend additional precautions.
Final Thoughts
The measles outbreak may have caused a lot of concern, but with the help of vaccinations, and proactive prevention measures, you can ensure that your baby has the necessary defenses against this contagious disease. We hope you have found this article informative, please remember to share it. You may also be interested in a previous post: “Can Breastfeeding Help Prevent Cancer and Heart Disease?”
Sources
“Babies May Not Be Protected by Mom’s Measles Immunity as Long as Thought.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 21 Nov. 2019, www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/babies-may-not-be-protected-mom-s-measles-immunity-long-n1087356.
“Protecting Your Baby from a Measles Outbreak: Faqs.” HealthyChildren.Org, 8 Mar. 2019, www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Protecting-Your-Baby-from-a-Measles-Outbreak-FAQs.aspx.
