Measles at Disneyland (combined threads)

[starshine514]

Dmgrmys, I'm leaning towards your thinking as well. My daughter will be 10 months old at the end of the month when we are scheduled to visit Disneyland again. Though I am concerned about the measles, I also am comforted by the fact the she is still breastfeeding and that I had an MMR booster in 2008 (I couldn't prove I'd had a second shot and there was an outbreak in my county, so I had to get one for work). The measles aren't spreading in my county now, but are in neighboring counties (linked to Disneyland as the initial orgin).

I took my girls to our local zoo today. If nothing changes, we will be at Disneyland for Dapper Day. However, I would be willing to cancel the trip if I feel that I'm putting her at risk. I know, she's at risk everyday to some extent. So, it's all about finding the right balance...

 

[mdurette]

Thanks all for starting this thread. We are visiting DL soon and I had been on the board checking things out last month when I saw these discussions. At the time it really wasn't breaking news on the east coast. Long story short. I called my 9YO pediatrician to ensure she was vaccinated, she was. Then I went for the blood test to ensure I was. Got the call today from the Dr. that I wasn't. So, today after work I went and got my booster. Better to be safe than sorry!

I saw on the Today show a few weeks ago that people born in the 70s and 80s may have never received their booster. Guess I was one of them!

 

[amyg1975]

Yes, but everyone was pointing out to me that it came out the CMs were infected after we returned, so without details about the CMs exposure dates being released, it wasn't possible to say that we hadn't been in contact with a contagious CM. We were there within three weeks of the initial exposure. So, CMs exposed initially could have become symptomatic during our trip.

It sounds like the CM's exposure dates were in mid-January. http://blog.sfgate.com/sfmoms/2015/...raged-after-4-month-old-baby-catches-measles/

 

[Kommando K]

I was part of the last generation where measles, mumps and chicken pox were a part of growing up. There were some parents who knowingly exposed their kids to get it over with. I believe I had them all and yes, I survived and didn't suffer any long term side effects. I was fortunate or blessed--which ever why you look at it. Vaccines are fantastic things. I had chickenpox and now have the wonderful opportunity to contract shingles-will I get a vaccination for shingles--you bet your bippy!

 

[vettegirl]

I went to DL with my 6 month old a month ago and felt completely safe taking him there. He could get the measles anywhere, not just DL.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I went to DL with my 6 month old a month ago and felt completely safe taking him there. He could get the measles anywhere, not just DL.

True. But your odds are increased in any densely populated place - like Disneyland and airports.

 

[starshine514]

It sounds like the CM's exposure dates were in mid-January. http://blog.sfgate.com/sfmoms/2015/...raged-after-4-month-old-baby-catches-measles/

Thanks for sharing this! I hadn't seen anything with CM exposure dates (other than nothing came out about CMs having it until after we returned). Mid-January is a full month after the initial exposure, so that makes me think there was a second round of exposure between the two...

 

[ClaraOswald]

It's not like measles will just magically go away after "patient zero" brought it in. They spread it to people (including CMs) who then spread it to other people (more CMs) and so on and so on. It spreads so easily and with unvaccinated people, it can be a big problem in a place with a lot of employees and guests.

I was actually surprised at all the babies we saw earlier this month. Personally, some fun isn't worth bringing an unvaccinated baby into the parks. Obviously you can be stuck in your house for an entire year. But we figured that limiting visits to places with literally tens of thousands of people would really lessen the chances of him catching something awful.

 

[starshine514]

I'm guessing if you did call and talk to your pediatrician about your trip they may advise not to go in light of the recommendations from the California department of health. My kids are both vaccinated, but I wasn't sure about the status for H and I. Our family doctor here in MN knew all about the situation and said we should get a measles booster before traveling to Disney and Southern California. I am not an alarmist generally, but I don't think I'd be at all comfortable bringing a baby that has not been immunized to Disney right now.

I mentioned to DDs' pediatrician that we are going to Disneyland this week. Her response was "Have fun". So, I don't think she's concerned about the baby catching measles there now. It makes me feel a little more secure about taking her.

 

[rosiep]

What's the current status? Are health officials still recommending vaccinated children and adults should stay away from DL or has it been given an all clear? I haven't been able to find anything online.