Disneyland linked to over a dozen cases of measles

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mickeyIn December, a measles outbreak occurred in Disneyland that surprised everyone.

By Jan. 22, the California Department of Health reported 42 cases of measles could be traced back to the theme park.

Should we be concerned about it coming to San Joaquin County?

In an email interview, Dr. Alvaro Garza, San Joaquin County’s Public Health Officer said “the likelihood is good, as it is throughout California, particularly with the un-vaccinated or under-vaccinated people.”

He suggests “people should always check first with their healthcare provider for any questions or if any symptoms.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, symptoms for the measles don’t typically show until seven to 14 days after being infected. The beginning symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth, and then a rash breaks out.

The outbreak also poses the question of how many children are getting vaccinated .
According to EdSource.org, 95.8 percent of kindergarten students are up to date on vaccines in the San Joaquin County.

Many children aren’t getting vaccinated due to personal beliefs of family, according to EdSource.

The individuals that aren’t getting vaccinated go and travel which raises the risk of getting contaminated and bringing it back. It can affect kids under the age of one because they can’t get vaccinated yet, according to the CDC.

With this all happening, people are still venturing to Disneyland.

According to NBC News, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger reported the measles outbreak hasn’t stopped people from visiting the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

He also said parents with children too young to get the vaccine should avoid visiting Disneyland, or other populated areas.

“I wouldn’t go to Disneyland until I got verification that it is now a safe environment, if anything I encourage people to not go and bring their kids because the more people that have measles it will spread awfully fast,” said Delta College student Vanessa Soto.

Dr. James Cherry, a pediatric infectious disease expert at the University of California, Los Angeles told ABC News the public should take note.

“This was a wake-up call,” he said.