The measles outbreak in the United States was linked to Disneyland theme parks where an infected person has spread the virus to many visitors during the holidays. There are now 68 confirmed cases of measles among people ages 7 months to 70 years old.
During the holidays when there was a peak of visitors who spent quality time in the theme parks, cases started to emerge. However, in January, people who have measles and were infectious have also visited the park that made the outbreak worse.
Out of the 68 confirmed cases, 48 were linked to Disneyland theme park. Now the outbreak has spread throughout California and even reached Utah.
According to Dr. Gil Chavez, State Epidemiologist and Deputy Director, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, "Measles is highly contagious and highly preventable through vaccinations. CDPH is urging caution to individuals who are not vaccinated, especially infants under 12 months. Any place where large numbers of people congregate and there are a number of international visitors, like airports, shopping malls and tourist attractions, you may be more likely to find measles, which should be considered if you are not vaccinated."
San Diego and Orange County have the most number of cases linked to Disneyland exposure. Measles is an infectious disease that can be prevented through vaccination especially during childhood.
Its typical symptoms include runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), rashes and cough. Infected people are usually contagious from about 4 days before their rash starts to 4 days afterwards. Measles was considered eradicated in the United States in 2000.
However, it can be reintroduced to the country if an infected person from another country would carry the virus. Also, the number of parents not letting their children have vaccinations makes it hard for officials to curb the outbreak.
