A recent visitor infected with measles may have exposed a large number of park attendees at Disneyland, raising concerns among health officials. This incident occurred during a year marked by a significant resurgence of measles in the United States, the highest since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
Health officials report that no additional measles cases have been confirmed in connection with the Disneyland visit; however, the incident is reminiscent of the major outbreak that took place at the park in 2014. That outbreak was a significant catalyst for California’s enhanced vaccination regulations.
The Risks of Measles in Crowded Environments
Measles is particularly alarming in crowded environments like Disneyland, where the virus can survive on surfaces for hours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual coughs or sneezes. The CDC notes that measles is so contagious that up to 90% of susceptible individuals nearby can contract the virus.
Details of the Exposure
The infected individual, identified as a resident from Los Angeles County, visited a Starbucks before spending the day at Disneyland on October 16. Health officials are advising anyone who was at the Starbucks located at 3006 S. Sepulveda Blvd. between 7:50 a.m. and 10 a.m., as well as those who were in the park from 9:15 a.m. to 8:35 p.m., to monitor for symptoms that could develop up to three weeks post-exposure. Individuals are encouraged to review their vaccination status, particularly pregnant women and parents of infants who may have been in proximity to the infected individual.
Symptoms and Historical Context
Symptoms of measles initially include fever, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. The 2014 outbreak was primarily fueled by unvaccinated children who spread the illness, resulting in over 150 cases across multiple states, as well as in Mexico and Canada. This marked one of the worst measles outbreaks in decades, largely attributed to declining vaccination rates.
As of 2019, 1,250 measles cases have been reported across 31 states, emphasizing the ongoing risk of the disease.
Additional Resources
For those interested in other aspects of health and well-being, you might find this article on the Home Insemination Kit insightful, which discusses related topics.
For further information on pregnancy, resources like March of Dimes offer excellent week-by-week guides. Additionally, for those considering home insemination, BabyMaker provides quality products that are highly recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, a visitor with measles at Disneyland may have posed a risk to many park-goers, reminding us of the importance of vaccinations and public health measures. As vigilance continues, those potentially exposed should take precautions and consult healthcare professionals if necessary.
Leave a Reply