Measles on the move

State health officials have confirmed 59 cases of measles since the end of December, and a majority of them have been traced to the “happiest place on earth,” Disneyland.

According to the California Department of Public Health, 42 of those with the highly contagious illness were exposed at the Magic Kingdom or Disney’s California Adventure Park in nearby Anaheim. They include five employees of the theme parks.

Measles is an airborne disease. Early symptoms include cold-like ones, including a cough and runny nose. Fever, red eyes and a red rash, typically starting on the face, are additional symptoms. People experiencing such symptoms who have been in places frequented by international travelers, such as airports, theme parks and other tourist attractions, have a higher likelihood of exposure.

Health experts say vaccination is the best way to avoid contracting the illness. Of the 43 patients whose inoculation records have been located, 37 were unvaccinated.