A teenager may have infected Disneylanders tourists with measles while visiting an amusement park, warn health officials



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Visitors to Disneyland may have been exposed to measles after a teenager visited the theme park while she was suffering from the disease, public health officials said.

A young New Zealand girl went to tourist spots and other popular destinations in Southern California last week, despite the fact that she was suffering from the highly infectious disease.

Los Angeles and Orange County health officials warned Friday that people may have been infected if they were in Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park on August 12.

According to the California Department of Public Health, no cases have yet been reported, but local health agencies have warned that symptoms can take up to 21 days.

"Measles is spread by air and by direct contact, even before you know it," said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer.

The girl had measles on her arrival at the Los Angeles International Airport on August 11 and has since returned to New Zealand, officials said.

She reportedly went to Universal Studios, the TCL Chinese Theater and Madame Tussauds in Hollywood, as well as to Santa Monica Beach and Pier on August 14 and 15 after going to Disneyland, authorities said.

Dr. Nichole Quick, head of health care for Orange County, urged anyone with symptoms to call a health care provider before going to the doctor to avoid further exposure.

She added that there were generally more cases of measles among international travelers in California due to an increase in the disease abroad.

"We are generally concerned about the epidemics that occur in some parts of the country and internationally," said Ms. Quick.

Disneyland officials said Friday that no employee of the amusement park had reported contracting the disease and that the risk to employees and visitors was "probably low".

"We maintain rigorous hygiene standards to protect guests and stakeholders, and earlier this year, we strengthened our immunization program and educational resources for the players," said a Disneyland statement.

In 2015, a measles outbreak linked to Disneyland sickened 147 people and spread to the United States and Canada.

The United States is currently struggling with its worst measles outbreak in decades, with more than 1,200 cases reported in 30 states since October 2018, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Globally, the number of measles cases has nearly tripled in the first seven months of 2019 compared to the same period of last year, reported the World Health Organization. this month.

Although the disease was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, CDC officials said that the country was in danger of losing this status if the current outbreak, which began in October 2018 in New York, lasted as long as it lasted. In October 2019.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Health, measles, which can sometimes result in death, is considered one of the most contagious diseases in the world. It infects 90% of people who are not immune to this virus.

Its symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes and a characteristic rash that may occur up to three weeks after exposure.

Agencies contributed to this report

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