The Orange County Health Care Agency has confirmed a measles case linked to an international traveler who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport and later visited a Disney park.
On Wednesday, the infected individual was at Goofy’s Kitchen from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Downtown Disney, which is the shopping and dining area next to the park, and subsequently at Disney California Adventure Park from 12:30 p.m. until closing, as stated in a news release.
“Measles isn’t just a concern for those who travel abroad — anyone can be at risk if they aren’t vaccinated,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, the deputy county health officer, in the release. “Since measles is highly contagious, it can spread rapidly within communities, even among those who haven’t traveled. The best way to protect yourself and your families is to get vaccinated before exposure.”
Individuals who were present at these locations face a risk of contracting measles between seven to 21 days following exposure, according to the news release. Those who visited the amusement park during that time are urged to check their vaccination status and consult their healthcare providers.
Though Disney officials don’t share daily visitor numbers, historical insights from a former Walt Disney Engineering director suggest that Disneyland sees around 65,000 visitors on a “normal day.” The addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge boosted capacity to approximately 80,000. Estimates place the daily attendance at Disney California Adventure Park between 24,000 and 27,000.
Earlier last week, the OC Healthcare Agency confirmed another measles case in a young adult who had traveled internationally. This individual visited a gym in Ladera Ranch on January 23 and an urgent care facility on January 23 and 26.
For individuals who aren’t fully immunized and were exposed less than a week ago, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. Immunoglobulin treatment is recommended for certain groups, such as infants under 12 months, pregnant individuals without immunity, and those with weakened immune systems.
If the exposure occurred more than a week ago, unvaccinated individuals should stay home and minimize interactions for 21 days post-exposure. It’s important to monitor for symptoms like fever and rash during this period.
The Health Care Agency’s Communicable Disease Control Division is coordinating with Disneyland to inform employees potentially exposed to measles, according to the release.
Last month, the Department of Public Health confirmed the first two measles cases of the year in Los Angeles County. One individual who tested positive had returned from international travel, with no public exposure sites linked to that case outside a healthcare facility. The department is now working to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the person and is verifying their vaccination status.
