California state officials said an outbreak of measles has been traced back to Disneyland in Anaheim, prompting more calls for people to be vaccinated.
Health officials say nine people who visited either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure Park during December have contracted measles.
Six of the nine infected people were not vaccinated, with two being too young, and range in age from 8 months to 21 years old.
It is thought all were infected during a visit to the parks between December 15 and December 20.
A further three California residents are suspected to have contracted measles and all visited Disney during the same period.
Disney said there have been no reports of staff contracting the virus so far.
“We are working with the health department to provide any information and assistance we can,” said Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
“The best way to prevent measles and its spread is to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the state’s Department of Public Health, who urged anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the virus to check with their doctor.
Measles was officially declared eradicated in 2000 but has gradually returned in small numbers due to health fears over vaccinations.
