Recent health reports indicate that a visitor infected with measles visited Disneyland last week, raising concerns about potential exposure to hundreds, if not thousands, of parkgoers. Although no new cases have been confirmed in connection with this visit, health officials remain vigilant, especially considering the notable measles outbreak in 2014 linked to the park.
Disneyland is particularly susceptible to outbreaks, as the measles virus can linger on surfaces for hours after an infected person has been present. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the virus can survive in the air for up to two hours following a cough or sneeze. “Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, as many as 90% of those nearby who lack immunity are also likely to become infected,” according to the CDC website.
The infected individual, a resident of Los Angeles County, initially visited a Starbucks before spending the day at Disneyland on October 16. Officials are urging anyone who visited Starbucks at 3006 S. Sepulveda Blvd. between 7:50 a.m. and 10 a.m., as well as anyone present at Disneyland from 9:15 a.m. to 8:35 p.m., to monitor for symptoms, which can develop up to three weeks post-exposure. Those who are not vaccinated, particularly pregnant individuals or parents of infants, should consult their healthcare provider.
“For those who are not protected, measles can lead to serious health complications,” a health official stated. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash. The 2014 outbreak at Disneyland, which involved unvaccinated children, resulted in over 150 cases across multiple states, as well as Mexico and Canada, and was driven by declining vaccination rates.
In 2019 alone, the U.S. has reported 1,250 measles cases across 31 states. For more information on how to navigate the journey of parenthood, you can check out this post about home insemination kits. If you’re interested in personal stories, Jamie Taylor’s experience with infertility and the joy of welcoming twins is a great read. Additionally, you can find excellent resources regarding pregnancy and home insemination at IVF Babble.
In summary, the recent measles exposure at Disneyland has raised alarms among health officials, as it highlights the ongoing risk of outbreaks in crowded public spaces. Visitors are advised to stay informed about their vaccination status and to monitor for symptoms over the coming weeks.