Measles Cases Confirmed in Orange County Following Disneyland Visit
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Measles poses a growing public health concern as Orange County, California, confirms its second case of the year, linked to a traveler who recently visited Disneyland.Health officials are urging vigilance and vaccination following potential exposure at popular park locations.
Orange County Faces Second Measles Case of 2026
Orange County health officials confirmed on Saturday,January 31,2026,a second case of measles in an international traveler. The individual arrived at Los Angeles International airport (LAX) before visiting Disneyland Resort in Anaheim last week. The Orange county Health Care Agency (OCHCA) received notification from both the California Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles Department of Public Health regarding the case, which was identified after the traveler arrived in Orange County on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Potential Exposure Locations and Timeline
Potential exposure windows for the public include Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park from 12:30 p.m. until park closing on the same day. According to the OCHCA release,individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times might potentially be at risk of developing measles between 7 and 21 days after exposure.
Health Recommendations for Disneyland Visitors
Health officials are urging visitors to the Disneyland Resort to take proactive steps to protect themselves and others. Recommendations include:
- Checking their immunity status with a healthcare provider regarding the measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Consulting with a healthcare provider about vaccination or immune globulin for preventative measures if exposure occurred less than seven days ago. Immune globulin is particularly recommended for infants under 12 months, pregnant individuals without immunity, and those with weakened immune systems.
- Monitoring for symptoms such as fever or an unexplained rash for seven to 21 days following potential exposure.
- Contacting a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms develop for further guidance.
- Calling a medical provider if measles is suspected to limit potential exposure to others.
The OCHCA Communicable Disease control Division is actively collaborating with Disneyland officials to identify and contact any potentially exposed employees, as well as officials in Los Angeles County and at LAX.
Public Health Officials Emphasize Vaccination
“Measles doesn’t only affect people who travel internationally-everyone is at risk if thay’re not protected,” stated a statement from Deputy County Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis.”Because measles is highly contagious,it can spread quickly within communities,even among those who haven’t traveled. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated before exposure occurs.”
Measles: A highly Contagious Viral Illness
Health officials describe measles as a highly contagious viral illness spread through the air via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can also spread through direct contact with infectious droplets.Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads throughout the body. Individuals who are not immunized against measles are at high risk of developing symptoms seven to 21 days after exposure.
Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine, and those fully vaccinated are considered protected.
First Case Reported Earlier This Week
This latest case follows the confirmation of Orange County’s first measles case of 2026 on Wednesday, January 27, 2026. That case also involved a young adult with a recent history of international travel.
The emergence of these cases underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease and protect vulnerable populations.
