At Least 40 Measles Cases Linked to Disneyland
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Photo by David McNew/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — The number of cases of the measles linked to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim continues to grow, as at least 40 individuals who visited the theme park have since contracted the disease.
The California Department of Public Health reports 36 cases of the disease linked to the park, as well as five more without an epidemiologic link to Disneyland. They also note that cases of measles have been reported in other states. The Utah Department of Public Health confirmed three cases of measles — two of the individuals had been to Disneyland and the third came in contact with the two infected individuals. The Washington State Department of Health also says one person has contracted the measles, and traveled through Seattle Tacoma Airport and other public places.
The California Department of Public Health says that a laboratory-confirmed case of the disease was found in a 22-month-old child in Mexico who visited the park.
The chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has previously said in a statement that the park would work with the health department to “provide any information and assistance we can.”
While the measles has been eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, outbreaks elsewhere can be spread, especially in locations like Disneyland, where numerous international travelers may visit.
“Nothing could have been done to prevent this outbreak,” the CDPH said, “given that measles is present in many parts of the world, and there are susceptible people in the United States.”
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