Disneyland Measles Outbreak
January 21, 2015 California health officials have linked 42 cases of measles in the state to an outbreak that began at Disneyland. 59 cases have been diagnoses in California and another 8 related cases have been reported in Utah, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Mexico. The majority of those infected were not vaccinated. Among those with measles were 5 Disney employees; Disney is asking their employees to show proof of vaccination or to get blood test to show immunity against measles; they are also offering immunizations to employees.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Measles can spread to others through coughing and sneezing, the virus can live for up to two hours on a surface. It can spread easily in communities where people are unvaccinated. Those at high risk for contracting meals are those who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, those with weekend immune systems and infants under 6 months of age.
Vaccination is the best way to help prevent illness. There is a vaccine available (measles, mumps, rubella) to help protect you against measles, this vaccine is part of a child’s immunizations schedule. Since the introduction of the measles vaccine, rates of the disease have significantly dropped. Check with your local Public Health Unit to ensure you child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine before travel. If you are unsure whether you have had the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine a blood immunity test can be done; see you local health provider for more information.
For more information on the Measles outbreak in California please see:
the CDC website :http://www.cdc.gov/measles/
CBC Report: Vaccines: Busting common myths