Measles vaccine or negative test required for Honduras :(

[Olsen_No]

Most all of us older folks had the measles. I would think that Honduras should accept positive Rubeola serology (IgG) in lieu of vaccination.

What is a negative test, IgM, I doubt it is a PCR?

True, before mid 60s majority of kids got the measles; resulting in average in about 45 000 hospitalizations, 1 000 cases of measles encephalitis, and about 500 deaths of kids every year…

 

[Kimela]

You may be deluding yourself. the false positive rate is only 1% and that is only if you have had a recent MMR vaccine.
Why not take the immunity test, and cancel only if it shows positive, which also means you really SHOULD get the measles vaccine.

That’s what I’m looking into. It appears I can get the immunity test at Quest for $39. As it’s ‘presumed’ anyone born prior to 1957 is immune, and I remember having it, I feel fairly confident I will have immunity. Better to get this out of the way as early as possible.

 

[Kimela]

Most all of us older folks had the measles. I would think that Honduras should accept positive Rubeola serology (IgG) in lieu of vaccination.

What is a negative test, IgM, I doubt it is a PCR?

From the HealthLabs.com website:

"About Our Measles Immunity Test (IgG) Measles Immunity Test

Our measles immunity test confirms whether or not an individual has been vaccinated against the rubeola virus, which causes measles. The test is performed with a small amount of blood. The blood is drawn and then tested for the presence of antibodies to the virus.

If antibodies are present, then the tester has protection against the measles virus. If antibodies are not present, then the tester has no protection against the virus.”

 

[tursiops]

Better to get this out of the way as early as possible.

Agree completely!

 

[Kimela]

You should cancel your trip and stay home. Sit in the dark, ignorant and alone.

We averaged 6 international trips a year during covid - including Honduras. I don’t understand why you feel the need to be nasty.

 

[Scoooter961]

I was really hoping what I saw on Facebook was incorrect, but I looked it up and it's true. As of June 28th Honduras is requiring a vaccination or negative test 72 to 80 hours prior to flight out to Honduras. We might be canceling our trip in September. I don't want to get another vaccine, and with the possibility of false-positives I don't want to trust that I will test negative either.

Honduran Embassy notice

That is an old notice. The new one doesn't mention a immunity test, only a vaccination record.

 

[Kimela]

That is an old notice. The new one doesn't mention a immunity test, only a vaccination record.

Well HECK! Why would I need a vaccine if I am immune? I wonder if they’ll change that soon? If you’re immune can you still spread measles? Craig, maybe you know the answer to that one? Is there such a thing as a ‘Measles Mary’?

 

[Kimela]

My husband emailed Anthony's Key to see what they know. Here's the reply he got.

Yes, this is still developing and we’re still waiting to get some more information. Starting Monday 7/7/25 Honduras will require proof of measles vaccine. Please read all the details posted on our website. We have only called our July customers as apparently, it’s something temporary (weeks or months) not sure how long. However, if you decide to cancel, we’re offering a year’s credit from original travel dates.

Honduras Travel Requirements | Anthony's Key Resort | Roatan

 

[davehicks]

Well HECK! Why would I need a vaccine if I am immune? I wonder if they’ll change that soon? If you’re immune can you still spread measles? Craig, maybe you know the answer to that one? Is there such a thing as a ‘Measles Mary’?

Yes. Most measles outbreaks in the US start with an unvaccinated person returning from a foreign country.

More good info:

With Measles on the Rise, Here’s How to Check If You Were Vaccinated or Have Immunity

Certain adults may need to get an additional dose of the measles vaccine. Here’s how to know if you have adequate immunity to measles

www.scientificamerican.com

What if you’ve never been vaccinated against measles?

If you’re an adult born in 1957 or later who has never received an MMR dose, you should get two doses, four weeks apart, Stinchfield says. Or if you’re unsure if you were vaccinated, especially if you work in health care or childcare or in a long-term care facility, it’s worth making sure you’re protected by getting the vaccine.

 

[kinoons]

Just to clear a few things up…

If you have immunity to measles, either via vaccination or previous infection, you’re extremely unlikely to catch measles again, and therefor extremely unlikely to make anyone else sick either. It’s the folks who are younger-ish, unvaccinated, not previously infected, and who get exposed when traveling that bring measles back to the US who have traditionally started the mini (to now larger) outbreaks. Remember the incubation period for measles is normally fairly long, 10-14 days, which is how you can get infected when traveling, but not sick until you get home.

Also, a negative titer test does not mean you’re not immune, it just doesn’t confirm you are. It is possible that the body’s cell mediated immune system (B and T cells) still has all the “records” it needs to produce more antibodies if you’re exposed, but isn’t doing so because you haven’t been exposed. Catch is you don’t know what a negative test truly represents.