Measles Update: CA Officials Link 26 Cases to Disney Theme Parks

Health officials have linked a recent measles outbreak in four states to Disney theme parks in California. According to the officials with the California Department of Public Health, seven new cases of measles have been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases to 26.

The seven new cases include three from Southern California, two in San Bernardino County and one in Long Beach.

The majority of the cases, 22, are in California. Two of the cases were confirmed in Utah, one in Colorado, and another one in Washington. Officials reported that the majority of the patients had visited Disneyland or Disney California Adventure from Dec. 15 through to Dec. 20. Patients who did not travel to these theme parks could have contracted the virus from others who did, officials stated.

There are currently four other potential cases being investigated.

Measles is a very contagious disease that is caused by a virus. Initial symptoms of an infection include high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots located inside the cheeks. After about 14 days since exposure, a red rash can develop as well.

There is no specific treatment for measles. People typically recover within a few weeks. However, in malnourished children and adults with compromised immune systems, a measles infection can lead to serious complications, such as blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infection and death.

People can prevent measles by getting the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.