Latest measles outbreak highlights a growing problem in California

Greetings,

Latest measles outbreak highlights a growing problem in California

The issue of measles in California suddenly generated national headlines Wednesday thanks to a Disney connection.

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A person infected with measles is suspected of visiting Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park in December after authorities discovered a dozen confirmed and suspected cases, all involving people who attended either of the parks just before Christmas.

Seven confirmed measles patients reside in California, while two live in Utah, the California Department of Public Health said. Three suspected measles cases involve California residents. All went to the Anaheim resort between Dec. 15 and Dec. 20.

Measles has become a growing concern among California health officials. Before the December cases, 2014 was already the worst year of measles cases in California in nearly two decades. Another disease, whooping cough, also known as pertussis, was recorded as having the highest rate in 2014 in this state since 1958.

Bad year for measles, whooping cough in California
The rise of these diseases come as a smaller percentage of California’s kindergartners are getting a full set of immunizations by the time they enter school. In 2002, more than 95% of kindergartners in California were fully vaccinated for measles and whooping cough; now, the number is about 92% — low enough to promote the spread of these highly infectious diseases.

Most of the confirmed Disney cases in California involved unvaccinated patients. Six were unvaccinated, including two too young to be inoculated. One had been vaccinated. The confirmed cases among California residents involved young patients, from 8 months old to 21 years.

“If you have symptoms, and believe you may have been exposed, please contact your healthcare provider,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, the state health officer. “The best way to prevent measles and its spread is to get vaccinated.”

Here are some questions and answers about the rise in cases.

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Why were there so many cases of measles in California in 2014?

Many of the 61 measles cases in California between January and Oct. 6 were related to unvaccinated residents returning home from the Philippines, where there has been a huge outbreak….more here

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