Measles Returns to Disneyland a Decade After 2015 Outbreak Prompts Health Alerts
Measles Returns to Disneyland a Decade After 2015 Outbreak
Ten years after the infamous 2015 Disneyland measles outbreak that sickened over 130 people across states and countries, the highly contagious virus has resurfaced at the Southern California resort. An international traveler, infectious with measles, visited Goofyβs Kitchen from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on January 28, 2026, then spent hours at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure until closing, exposing thousands of guests.[1][2]
Exposure Alerts and Health Warnings
Health officials in Orange and Los Angeles Counties issued urgent alerts, also noting the traveler's arrival at LAX's Tom Bradley International Terminal late on January 26. With vaccination rates below herd immunity levels, risks remain high; symptoms like fever and rash may appear 7-21 days post-exposure. Disneyland is cooperating on contact tracing for guests and staff, amid rising U.S. cases linked to global travel.[3][4]
Why Vaccination Matters Now
This incident echoes the 2014-2015 event tied to undervaccination, underscoring measles' airborne spread in crowded parks. Public health experts urge checking immunity status and vaccinating to prevent outbreaks, as multiple SoCal cases signal broader concerns in under-immunized communities.[5][6]
