More measles cases linked to Disneyland

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The number of measles cases connected to Disneyland continues to rise. 22 measles cases in California have now been linked to the Anaheim amusement park.

Medical experts said the situation illustrated why you want to make sure your kids are vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. Fresno County though hasn't had a measles case since 1994.

The 22 measles cases linked to Disneyland included 12 people who were never immunized. The vaccination status for six other people was unknown. Despite the outbreak, Norma Sanchez of the Fresno County Health Department said you shouldn't be concerned if your children have been vaccinated.

Sanchez explained, "People say, how can that happen? Interestingly enough, when we do go to events there's people from all over the world that come to places that we take for granted. It's just around the corner. However the majority of the people could have come in from other parts of the country who could possibly be infected with measles."

The California Department of Public Health said those infected were at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure between December 15th and the 20th. Most of them live in Southern California. One person was from Alameda County. Clovis pediatrician Dr. Marty Martin said measles can be highly contagious for those not vaccinated.

Martin said of the virus, "It's airborne. You could walk into an elevator one maybe even two hours after someone has been coughing in it and still pick it up without touching anything."

Martin called the vaccine 90% effective and said adults do not need a booster shot. "If they've had the two shots or like me, they've had it already you're typically protected for life."

Four other measles cases linked to Disneyland have also been confirmed in Utah, Colorado and Washington.