As the measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico grows to become one of the largest in recent years, health officials have raised concerns about young infants being exposed to the virus. Katherine Wells, the public health director in Lubbock, Texas, mentioned in a briefing on Tuesday that “very young babies” who were in contact with measles have required immunoglobulin injections to help combat any potential infection. Although Wells did not provide specific details about the incidents, it was reported by NBC News that newborns may have been exposed to measles at University Medical Center Children’s Hospital in Lubbock after a woman with measles gave birth there.
The outbreak has underscored the vulnerability of babies who have yet to receive vaccinations, as the recommended age for the first dose of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is between 12 and 15 months. However, pediatric infectious disease experts emphasize that special precautions can be taken by hospitals and parents to safeguard young infants. In certain circumstances, infants as young as six months can receive the MMR vaccine, but they would still need the two-dose series at the recommended ages.
Health officials stress the importance of timely intervention for babies exposed to measles, recommending vaccination within three days of exposure for infants between 6 and 12 months old. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers can provide some immunity to their unvaccinated infants. Parents are advised to promptly inform healthcare providers if they suspect their infant has been exposed to measles, as protective measures are time-sensitive.
To prevent the spread of measles, vaccination of individuals around young infants is crucial, a practice known as ‘cocooning’. Traveling with unvaccinated infants or bringing them to crowded places during an outbreak is discouraged, as measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has been present. It is essential for parents to prioritize the health and safety of their infants, especially in the face of infectious diseases like measles.
A measles outbreak in Texas resulted in the first U.S. death from the disease since 2015 in February. The number of cases in Texas and New Mexico has climbed to 317. This surpasses the 285 infections reported last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunologist and CEO Frederic Bertley stated that cases are expected to reach around 1,200, a significant increase from the previous year. For more information, contact Adrianna Rodriguez at adrodriguez@usatoday.com. This article was originally published on USA TODAY and discusses the Texas measles outbreak, raising concerns about newborn exposure and the protection of infants.
