Lane County, Oregon health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in the state linked to the California Disney theme parks, according to a Oregon Live report Tuesday.

Disneyland-It's a small world Image/Jonnyboyca
Disneyland-It’s a small world
Image/Jonnyboyca

This is the first case of measles in the county in 8 years.

Elsewhere, Disney officials report that at least 5 employees are among the infected. Of the five employees at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, three have fully recovered and returned to work, and two remain off, said Dr. Pamela Hymel, the chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

All of Disney’s “cast members,” as it calls park employees, have been offered immunity tests and vaccinations since the company first heard of the outbreak Jan. 7, Hymel said. Those who have been in close contact with infected employees are put on paid leave until their immunity can be established.

The total case count linked to the Disneyland or Disneyland California Adventure Parks in December include dozens from California (Orange County has recorded 18 to date), 3 from Utah, 2 from Washington, and one each in Colorado and Mexico.

Related: Vaccines: An interview with Dr. Paul Offit

The United States experienced a record number of measles cases during 2014, with 644 cases from 27 states reported to CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). This is the greatest number of cases since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. Measles spreads very easily by air and by direct contact with an infected person. Measles is contagious from approximately 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appears. Measles is a rare disease in the United States and in regions of the world where vaccination coverage is high. Maintaining high vaccination rates is vital to preventing outbreaks of disease in our community.

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