The California Department of Public has launched an investigation on nine new cases of measles that emerged after tourists visited Disneyland during the holidays, federal health officials announced on Wednesday.
According to health officials, they are certain that only a single person who was infected with measles visited the park and affected other visitors with the virus. In fact, health officer Ron Chapman said in a statement, "If you have symptoms, and believe you may have been exposed, please contact your healthcare provider. The best way to prevent measles and its spread is to get vaccinated."
The cases of measles were seen in other counties like Orange, Riverside, Alameda and San Diego. The youngest patient was an eight-month old baby. Measles cases are on the rise this year that is why the health department has issued health warnings to the public and recommended that vaccines should be administered immediately.
According to Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in a statement, "We are working with the health department to provide any information and assistance we can."
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be transmitted through air droplets. It has been eradicated in the country and was no longer a health threat to the public for many years now. Yet, the latest reported cases have increased.
Health officials are now associating the sudden increase of cases with anti-vaccine movements across the country recently. Many of the cases came from villages and communities where schools have reported increased rate of parents who did not allow their kids to be vaccinated against measles.
The virus can be spread through coughing, sneezing and becoming in close contact with a person who has the virus. The symptoms are fever, cough, colds and red eyes. The distinguishing factor of the disease is red rash that starts on the face and will spread down to the rest of the body.