Measles cases linked to Disneyland visits jumps to 22; local health officials take precautions

With the confirmation of 22 cases of measles in the state, local health officials are reminding the public about the importance of staying up to date with immunizations, especially if traveling.

Monday, the California Department of Public Health confirmed 22 cases of measles in nine health jurisdictions. Orange County with nine cases is the most affected. Alameda, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego also have reported cases.

Twenty-one of the cases have been directly linked to visits to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure in Orange County between Dec. 15 and 20, according to the CDPH. The other is a secondary case of someone who had direct contact with a Disney-linked case.

While no cases of measles have been identified in Central Valley areas, local public health officials said the spread is concerning and should be taken seriously.

Measles is a highly infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the disease spreads through direct contact and through air, mainly through coughing and sneezing.

According to a health advisory put out last week by the CDPH, measles typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Measles rashes are described as red and blotchy; they typically start on the hairline and face before spreading to the rest of the body.

People can be contagious with measles for nine days.

The last time measles cases were reported in Merced County was in 2011. Both cases were children who were not vaccinated, said Richard Rios, epidemiologist with the Merced County Department of Public Health.

But it’s been years since the county has experienced an outbreak, before vaccinations were a school requirement, he explained.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. According to the CDPH, two doses of the MMR vaccine are more than 99 percent effective in preventing measles.

The CDC recommends the first dose be administered at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.

Michael Johnson, assistant director at the Merced County Department of Public Health, said the agency is working on a health advisory for local providers and schools.

“When you don’t see diseases for years, you may not consider them,” Johnson said. “This is one way to remind doctors to consider measles if the symptoms are present.”

Johnson said Merced County has a good vaccination record, which he believes is the reason the area has not experienced any recent outbreaks.

“We know there are folks (in other areas) that don’t understand the importance of vaccinations or that choose not to understand, but from a public health standpoint, that’s not really the best way to look at it,” Johnson said.

He said the best advice health officials can give to the public is to make sure they are up to date on their immunization schedule, and to follow up with their doctor if they notice any symptoms.

He also suggested that people who suspect a person has measles call their providers before going in for a visit. This way the facility can be prepared to isolate the patient and reduce the possibility of contagion.

Those with concerns or questions should call their provider. Questions also can be directed to the Merced County Department of Public Health at (209) 381-1200.

This story was originally published January 12, 2015 at 5:40 PM with the headline "Measles cases linked to Disneyland visits jumps to 22; local health officials take precautions."