Five Disneyland employees were among an outbreak of measles patients — with three already healthy enough to return to work — that originated at the Anaheim theme park, officials said Tuesday.
"As soon as the Orange County Health Care Agency notified us on Jan. 7, we immediately began to communicate to our (employees) to raise awareness," said Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "In an abundance of caution, we also offered vaccinations and immunity tests. To date, a few (employees) have tested positive and some have been medically cleared and returned to work. Cast members who may have come in contact with those who were positive are being tested for the virus. While awaiting results, they have been put on paid leave until medically cleared."
The three employees healthy enough to return to work were among those who contracted the virus in mid-December, officials said.
Orange County officials again reiterated the importance of receiving vaccinations to stop the spread of the disease.
Those who get sick despite getting shots will only experience "mild illness" and are not likely to be contagious, said Nicole Stanfield of the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Anyone who thinks they may have measles was urged to call their medical provider before going to the doctor's office, because it could spread the illness, she said.
As of Tuesday, there were 10 confirmed measles cases in San Diego County.
