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Utah and California officials for public health confirmed Wednesday nine cases of measles. There are significant reasons to link the appearance of measles to Disneyland visitors. Three more measles infected suspects was reported that visited the sites during that period. The nine confirmed cases were tourists of either Disney California Adventure Park in Orange County or Disneyland in Anaheim between December 15 and December 20. The patients come from Pasadena, Riverside and San Diego counties and have ages that range between 8 months to 21 years.
Measles is a respiratory disease. Once a common disease of childhood, it is caused by a virus named Morbillivirus. The way it proliferates is through the air. Although it was thought to be wiped out from the United State in early 2000’s, 610 cases were registered in the last year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this is “the highest number of cases since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000.”
California Department of Public Health released a statement to express the fact that measles can be brought back to the United States by travelers to regions where measles (or rubeola) is endemic. International attractions like Disney or other theme parks all over California welcome tourists from multiple regions of the world.
Disney’s chief medical officer, Dr. Pamela Hymel, released a statement to say that “We are working with the health department to provide any information and assistance we can.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that among measles symptoms can be named: cough, sore throat, fever, red eyes and runny nose. The next stage is a full body rash and those who acknowledge the existence of the symptoms should see their doctor.
The only treatment is to keep the patient hydrated and comfortable for a time that lasts 7 to 14 days. California Department of Health said that 99 percent is the effectiveness of two vaccine shots. Doctor’s recommendation suggests children should get a vaccine between 12 to 15 months old, and a second one between 4 to 6 years old. The virus floats in the air for up to two hours. Because a long period passed from the time infected people were to Disney theme parks, it is safe to visit now.
Image Source: New York Post
