Measles Outbreak Grows Some More

The California Department of Public Health has upped the number of cases of measles tied to visits to the Disneyland Resort to 28, and suggested that more cases could be reported in the short-term.

The CDPH originally said last week there had been seven cases tied to those who patronized the Anaheim landmark late last year. It is believed that victims of the outbreak coud continue to spread the disease until Jan. 10, according to the agency.

The largest number of cases have been reported in Orange County, with nine altogether. The Los Angeles-Long Beach areas have reported seven additional cases. Three others reside in Alameda County in Northern California. Two other cases have been traced to tourists from Utah.

“We can expect some limited local transmission associated with reported cases,” the CDPH said in a statement about the outbreak.

Measles has made a limited comeback from virtual eradication in the United States, with 644 cases reported nationwide last year. That’s compared to just a few dozen in 2004. 

Of the 2014 cases, 70 have been tied to California, the second largest number by state and the worst tally since the late 1990s. However, Ohio has had by far the largest number of cases, with 382.

Public health experts say the increase in the number of cases has been tied to fewer children being vaccinated against the disease due to concerns that the shots can lead to autism, a worry that has so far been scientifically unfounded. Cases of whooping cough and other preventable diseases have also been on the rise as a result of the dip in vaccinations.