ANAHEIM (KGTV) — A New Zealand teenager ill with measles visited multiple Southern California theme parks and attractions this month and may have exposed others to the illness, according to health officials.
Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) and Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH) said Friday the female teen visited several regional attractions during her vacation from Aug. 11-15.
- Aug. 11: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Terminal 8, between 9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- Aug. 12: Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks
- Aug. 14: Universal Studios at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, Calif.
- Aug. 15: TCL Chinese Theatres at 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Calif.
- Aug. 15: Madame Tussauds at 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Calif.
- Aug. 15: The Original Farmers Market at 6333 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, Calif.
- Aug. 15: Santa Monica Pier and Beach at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Calif.
- Aug. 15: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Tom Bradley International Terminal, between 6 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
- Aug. 11-15: Desert Palms Hotel at 631 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, Calif.
(Times listed are still under investigation.)
OCHCA officials are working with the locations to identify others who may have had close contact with the teenager.
In a statement to 10News, Disneyland said that they are working closely with OCHCA and have seen no confirmed cases with park cast members.
“We were notified that the tourist visited multiple Southern California locations and have been advised by OC Health Care Agency that the risk to cast and guests is likely low. We maintain rigorous sanitation standards to protect guests and cast, and earlier this year we strengthened our immunization program and educational resources for cast members, in addition to our ongoing efforts," a statement from Pam Hymel, Disney Parks chief medical officer, read.
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The park adds that the teen did not stay at any of the park's resort hotels or visit Downtown Disney.
Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson also provided a statement to 10News, also saying there's "minimal risk" at their theme park.
"It has come to our attention that the guest visited a number of Southern California locations and have been advised by the Dept. of Public Heath that there is minimal risk to any exposure at our destination. We adhere to meticulous sanitation standards to ensure a safe environment for everyone as the safety and security of our guests and employees is of utmost importance," a park statement read.
Anyone who believes they may have contracted the disease should contact their doctor's office before visiting directly.
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"Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes," said Nichole Quick, County Health Officer, said. "It spreads very easily by air and by direct contact with an infected person, and is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. We encourage community members to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated."
Measles can develop about seven to 21 days after exposure to the disease. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
A distinctive red rash also appears one to four days after symptoms appear, starting on the face and head then spreads downward and outward. A person is considered contagious four days before the rash appears.
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Complications from measles are more common in children younger than 5 and adults 20 years and older, though the risk is higher with children. Complications include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. In severe instances, death can occur.
San Diego recently reported its first two cases of measles of the year in an infant that recently visited the Philippines and an individual who came into contact with the infant.
In Los Angeles, there have been 16 measles cases among Los Angeles County residents in 2019 and 11 non-resident measles cases in people who have traveled through the county, LADPH says.
