CDPH Identifies Measles Outbreak
The California Department of Public Health reported on Wednesday that there had been an outbreak of measles within the state connected to recent visits to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
The CDPH confirmed seven measles cases from five different areas of the state, two others in Utah, and three other suspected cases that remain under investigation.
“All confirmed and suspect cases reported visiting Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park in Orange County, California sometime between Dec. 15th and Dec. 20th, 2014. Based on information from current cases, it is likely that a person infectious with measles was at one of the theme parks on these dates,” the CDPH said in a statement.
The incubation period for the disease prior to symptoms developing is up to 14 days, which means an appearance of more cases is unlikely.
Measles are rarely fatal, but can cause death about 30% of the time in victims who have AIDS or other diseases that compromise their immune systems.
Measles has mostly been eliminated from the U.S. since 2000, with a two-dose vaccination being particularly effective in keeping the disease at bay. However, there have been outbreaks of the disease in Europe and the Philippines in recent year. And a persistent sentiment among vaccinations due to concerns about a linkage to autism has caused the overall vaccination rate among children in California to dip in recent years.
The CDPH concluded that eight of the current measlses patients had not been vaccinated for the disease. Only two had not received their shots because they were too young to be vaccinated.
"We are working with the health department to provide any information and assistance we can," Pamela Hymel, M.D., Walt Disney Parks chief medical officer, said in a statement.
San Diego County health officials also expressed concern that two siblings who visited the Disney resort and contracted measles may have exposed patrons at a shopping mall in El Cajon, although no more details are available.
“If you have symptoms, and believe you may have been exposed, please contact your healthcare provider,” said CDPH Director Ron Chapman, M.D. , in a statement. “The best way to prevent measles and its spread is to get vaccinated.”
