Date: May 24th 2004

Baby 411 E-News May 2004: Measles outbreak, vaccines/autism, baby pools, sunblock


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BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: May 2004
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
May 2004
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In this issue:
1. Measles outbreak
2. New report determines no link of vaccines and autism
3. Don’t drink the water
4. Sunblock and insect repellant guidelines
5. Yes, Baby 411 makes a great shower gift! Get a discount on a combo deal

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1. Measles outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control have temporarily suspended adoptions from the Hunan province of China due to nine adopted children entering the U.S. with measles infection. These children were diagnosed with infection in five states: Alaska, Florida, Maryland, and New York, and Washington state. Because the incubation period of infection is 7-10 days, these children did not have symptoms until their arrival in the U.S.

Also of concern, Mexico is currently experiencing a measles epidemic with 64 confirmed cases in the first four months of 2004. Two of the reported cases occurred near the Texas border.

Children in the U.S. routinely receive a measles vaccination at 12-15 months of age with a booster dose given at 4-6 years of age. Children UNDER one year of age are NOT protected against this infection. Infants do not receive measles vaccine because they do not form an adequate immune response to the vaccine. However, kids under a year may receive a measles shot if there is an epidemic.

To complicate matters further, communities with low immunization rates are particularly susceptible to epidemics. Children who are not immunized get sick and spread the disease to those who are too young to be immunized. (see’ herd immunity’ in Baby 411). Prior to the measles vaccine, there were 4 million cases of measles per year in the U.S.

Take home message:

• Make sure your child’s shots are up to date.

• If you have an infant 6-11 months of age and you are traveling to Mexico, a measles vaccine is recommended in addition to the routine immunization series.

• Stay tuned for new recommendations of measles vaccine if an epidemic occurs in the U.S.

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2. New report determines no link of vaccines and autism

The Institute of Medicine released a report this month stating that they found no association between childhood vaccines and autism. They specifically looked at the combination MMR vaccine and the mercury derived preservative thimerisol. Numerous studies have been done since vaccine safety concerns arose in 1998.

The group stressed that the rise in autism is very concerning and warrants significant investigation. But that research and resources should be moved on from the vaccine question at this point.

The Institute of Medicine is a non-profit organization with no link to pharmaceutical companies.

Take home message: Vaccines are safe and there is substantial evidence to prove this. Families with autistic children will continue to look for answers, and hopefully these will come soon.

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3. Don’t drink the water

We’ve always been a bit leary of those baby pools. . . and for good reason. But even kids out of diapers can spread infection in pool water, area lakes, and water parks. Kids with diarrheal illnesses including E.coli, Giardia, and cryptosporidium spread even in chlorinated pools. And molluscum, a member of the wart family, is caused by a virus that likes water.

The bottom line:

• Don’t let your child drink the water he is swimming in.

• Avoid pools when your child has diarrhea.

• Rinse your child off shortly after getting out of the pool.

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4. Sunblock and insect repellant guidelines


Here are the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding skin protection for kids.

Sun protection:

• If possible, keep infants out of direct sunlight, particularly during peak sun hours.
• Have your baby wear protective clothing, including hats.
• ALL babies, including newborns, may wear sunblock as part of their sun protection.
• SPF 30 is recommended and should be reapplied frequently (every 2 hours or more often).

FYI: The FDA recently limited the maximum SPF rating to 30+ since there is minimal advantage in products over SPF 30.

Insect repellants:

Here is the lowdown on products..

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-tolumide) is the most effective insect repellant product available over the counter. Products containing 10% DEET provide about 2 hours of protection. 30% DEET products provide about 5 hours of protection. 30% DEET is just as safe for kids as 10% DEET. ’Natural’ insect repellants such as citronella provide very limited protection (one study showed protection for only 9 minutes).

• Use DEET containing products for infants OVER 2 months of age. (You can use insect netting over the stroller or car seat for little ones).
• Apply the product once in a day. So, choose the product for the length of time you plan to spend outside.
• Don’t spray near the mouth, eyes, or fingers.
• Don’t use combination sunblock and insect repellant products. (Sunblock needs to be reapplied frequently)

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

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5. Yes, Baby 411 makes a great shower gift! Get a discount on a combo deal when you order two of our books!

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Thanks again for reading our book!

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Ari Brown, M.D. & Denise Fields, authors
BABY 411
Web: www.Baby411.com