A recent outbreak of measles, first documented at Disneyland, is concerning many parents. This epidemic started in California, and has spread to seven western surrounding states. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe health complications. About one to two children out of one thousand will die due to this disease. If one person has measles, and is around ten other people, nine will also become contagious.

It is essential that all family members are up to date on their measles vaccine. Many people do not believe that it is an eminent threat. What most parents don’t realize is that any adult that works with children is at risk to transmitting the disease. During the first ten weeks of 2015’s new year there have already been 176 new cases.

Many families have begun planning vacations throughout the United States for spring break, and should be thinking about  their risk of exposure to measles. You are putting yourself at a higher risk when traveling to popular tourist destinations, like Florida. The safest way to avoid family members contracting the disease is to simply get the family vaccinated before going on the planned trip.