Measles and Disneyland. Put these two things together and it creates a very scary equation for a lot of people. For most though it does not need to ruin a trip to Disneyland, if they are properly informed. Here are 5 quick facts about the measles to help you plan for your next trip to the Disneyland Resort and then rest easy while there.
- Prevention – The measles can very be very effectively prevented by vaccine. Generally they are given in the form of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella). The first shot is 95% effective and the second fairly effectively takes care of the last 5%. So, if you have been vaccinated (or had the Measles before), you probably have developed an immunity and you are 99% safe.((Measles. Communicable Disease Control and Prevention San Francisco Department of Public Health, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2015. <http://www.sfcdcp.org/measles.html>.)) All this to say, if you and your loved ones have been vaccinated you have a very good chance of being immune and therefore safe. If you have not been vaccinated (or have only been vaccinated once), consult your primary care physician.
- Contagiousness – Those who are infected with measles are most contagious 4 days before and 4 days after their rash begins((“Measles – Q&A about Disease & Vaccine.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Aug. 2008. Web. 22 Jan. 2015. <http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/faqs-dis-vac-risks.htm>.)).
- Avoidance – Measles is transmitted through the air, saliva, or droplets of moisture ((“Preventing the Spread of Measles.” UWHealth.org. University Wisconsin Health, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2015. <http://www.uwhealth.org/news/preventing-the-spread-of-measles/32332>.)) (aka coughing/sneezing) and can remain live for up to 2 hours after leaving the body. To infect it must reach a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth via physical contact or be breathed in. To help avoid transmission wash hands frequently and avoid touching surfaces with hands followed by rubbing or touching the face ((“Transmission of Measles.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 03 Nov. 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2015. <http://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/transmission.html>.)).
- Symptoms – Symptoms of measles can appear 7-21 days after exposure. These symptoms include fever or illness along with an unexplained rash ((“Measles (Rubeola).” Orange County, California. Orange County Health Care Agency, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2015. <http://ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/epi/disease/measles>.)). If these occur, consult your doctor immediately.
- Safety – Rest assured that Disneyland is doing everything possible to keep you safe during your trip. Time and time again Disneyland states that guest safety is a top priority. Cast Members that have potentially been exposed to measles are being monitored and all cast members are being offered vaccines and Disneyland Resort spokeswoman agrees with experts and says that “it’s absolutely safe to visit if you’re vaccinated.” ((Chang, Alicia. “People Not Vaccinated for Measles Urged to Avoid Disneyland.” Yahoo! News. Yahoo!, 21 Jan. 2015. Web. 23 Jan. 2015. <http://news.yahoo.com/measles-cases-continue-spread-california-213911481.html>.))
Measles is a very serious disease and should be treated seriously. However, with vaccinations and some common sense hygiene practices there is absolutely no reason why you and your family can’t enjoy your next trip to the happiest place on Earth!
**This information on this site is not medical advice, and is provided for general purposes only. Please consult your medical doctor or other healthcare professional for medical advice regarding your Disneyland resort visit. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied. All information is provided “AS-IS”, and any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk.**
