Holiday Travel to the USA During Measles Outbreaks: A Guide for Cayman Parents

Travelling for the holidays is exciting, but with a current measles outbreak in the USA – a popular destination for Cayman travellers, it’s important to stay informed and take practical precautions. As of 16th December 2025, the United States has reported 1,958 confirmed measles cases, including outbreaks in states such as Florida, New York, California and Texas. With schools in Cayman soon closing for the 2025 Christmas holidays, many families will be travelling this weekend. To help keep your children safe, read this quick guide for practical tips on staying informed, minimising exposure and monitoring for symptoms.

Travel Precautions and Symptom Awareness

During travel, focus on practical steps to reduce the risk of measles and other illnesses.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer if unavailable)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Regularly clean commonly touched surfaces such as tray tables and armrests

While the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles and can be given from 6 months of age for children who are travelling internationally, and is normally recommended at least two weeks before travel, these practical hygiene measures can help reduce exposure during the trip, especially for children who are already travelling.

Vaccination and Ongoing Protection

Note: The Cayman Islands has had no reported measles cases since 1990, reflecting high local immunisation rates – 90% of 15-month-olds and 97% of children aged 4–5 have received their MMR vaccine (Public Health Alerts – HSA, 2023). The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing 93% protection after one dose and 97% after two doses. While ideally administered at least two weeks before travel, reviewing your child’s immunisation record now is important for ongoing protection and for future trips.

For more information on the MMR vaccine, measles prevention, and what parents should know before and after travel, see our full guide: Let’s Understand Measles.

Quick Holiday Travel Checklist

• Stay informed: For those travelling to the USA, stay informed with CDC updates.
• Minimise exposure: Practise frequent handwashing, good respiratory hygiene, and consider masks in busy areas.
• Monitor symptoms: Watch for fever, rash, cough, or red eyes after travel and contact your paediatrician promptly.
• Bring records: Keep vaccination and travel history handy for faster assessment if needed.
• Stay vigilant: Recognise symptoms and ensure vaccinations are up to date, especially for children who may have missed doses due to the pandemic or relocation.

Conclusion

Traveling for the holidays can be full of joy and new experiences. By focusing on practical precautions, staying alert to symptoms and keeping immunisation records up to date, you are taking simple, effective steps to protect your children’s health. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season – stay safe!

For personalised guidance on immunisations and travel health for children, consult Dr. Sara Watkin, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Optimal Healthcare.. Learn more about Dr Sara and our paediatric services at Optimal Healthcare here.