As a response to the increasing tension and panic brought about by the unexpected measles outbreak in Disneyland Resorts and Parks, the theme park assured the public on Thursday that the area has been declared safe, Reuters reported.
Despite the reassurance, however, Disneyland remains adamant on their precaution issued against parents with unvaccinated children to not bring them to the theme park just yet because of the measles outbreak, which began around December 15 and December 20 last year.
"If you have symptoms, and believe you may have been exposed, please contact your health care provider. Unless you have an emergency, it is best to contact your health care provider by phone to prevent spread in doctor's offices," said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, in a official statement. "The best way to prevent measles and its spread is to get vaccinated."
As of the most recent update, the CPDH is still conducting investigations to determine if the agency missed "secondary" cases following the discovery of several others earlier.
According to their statement, "additional transmission" may occur in places visited by those identified to be suffering from secondary cases of measles. The department told the public to be wary and be more vigilant in going to places possibly visited by these patients as the disease is highly infectious.
"Measles is highly contagious and highly preventable through vaccinations," explained Dr. Gil Chavez, State Epidemiologist and Deputy Director in the Center for Infectious Diseases of the California Department of Public Health, in a statement.
"Any place where large numbers of people congregate and there are a number of international visitors, like airports, shopping malls and tourist attractions, you may be more likely to find measles, which should be considered if you are not vaccinated," she further elucidated.
However, Chavez was quick to clarify that vaccinated people can safely go to these place, including the recently infected theme park.
Meanwhile, the Orange County Health Care Agency echoed the concerns raised by the CPDH in an effort to prevent the further spread of the disease.
"Anyone suspecting they have measles should CALL their medical provider BEFORE arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others to the measles virus," urged agency in their press release.
