What started as a measles outbreak among seven people who visited Disneyland in December has spread to more than 26, as an unvaccinated California woman apparently transmitted the virus through airports and the theme park, health officials said. State health departments in California, Colorado, Utah and Washington and have confirmed cases of the extremely contagious virus, the Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday. Taken together, the cases would account for almost 12% of the expected measles cases for the entire year (there are 220 cases per year on average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The CDC calls measles the “most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses”. Measles is a virus that lives in the nose and throat of those infected, and causes fever, rash, red eyes and coughing. Though there is a vaccine that is commonly given, an anti-vaccination movement has gained traction in the US despite widespread scientific criticism and debunking of the movement’s claims. The California department of public health said on 7 January that officials believe a person infected with measles was staying in the Disneyland theme park in December. That unknown patient then infected others at the park. Among the people exposed to measles at that time, according to the LA Times, was an unvaccinated traveler in her 20s. The woman became sick and contagious on 28 December while at the theme park. From there, the LA Times reports, she flew from Orange County to Snohomish County in Washington state. She then returned to Orange County on 3 January, and California health officials announced the outbreak on 7 January. The virus is highly contagious, can live for up to two hours on surfaces and is transmitted through an infected person’s coughs or sneezes. Measles is so contagious that “90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected”, according to the CDC. wrote:

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Ouch, I hope everyone affected are on the mend

You know, I try to respect personal choices, but that right there is why anti-vax people kind of piss me off. Shit like this happens. I bet she gives no fucks too.

I agree Rachel, I am pro parents choice as well,  but vaccines are more then just parents choice.  It's a parents responsibility to do what they feel is best for their children, but when someone chooses not to vaccinate they are not only putting their child in danger but infants who have yet to get vaccinated, people who are genuinely allergic to the vaccine and the elderly who didn't have the chance to be vaccinated as children and are now to weak to get the vaccine.  Vaccines save lives and that is a fact.

Totally agree and well said!

It's sad that in 2015 we are hearing about people being sick from the measles. Such a contagious disease that can be prevented.