Disney World on Alert Following First-Recorded Cases of Serious Airborne Disease

Walt Disney World Resort is officially on alert following the first-recorded measles cases in Orlando. Here’s what you need to know if you travel to Central Florida in the coming months.

Main Street, U.S.A., with guests and Cinderella Castle in the background on a cloudy day. Taken at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort — Credit: Ed Aguila

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Measles Reported as Cases Begin to Rise in Orlando – Walt Disney World on Alert

Orlando Health has reported four confirmed measles cases at its Central Florida emergency departments over the past month, according to statements from the hospital system. However, state officials have clarified that there is no ongoing disease outbreak in the Orlando area. From one measles case to another, the Center for Disease Control has yet to issue an official statement on plans for citizens in the Central Florida area if things get out of control.

Among the reported cases, one was identified in an adult, while the remaining three affected children under 2, revealed Lisa Maria Garza, a spokesperson for Orlando Health. Further case details were not disclosed at the time of the announcement.

The Florida Department of Health has documented only two measles cases in children under two years old in 2024, indicating that at least one case treated by Orlando Health may not have been included in the state’s official count.

The entrance to Walt Disney World Resort as seen through a car window — Credit: Foxbert, Flickr

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State health department data indicates ten measles cases in Florida for 2024, with nine cases reported among Broward County residents and one case in a Polk County resident. Several cases in Broward County have been linked to community spread at Manatee Bay Elementary in Weston. Weesam Khoury, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health, declined to provide specific details about the Orlando Health patients but affirmed that there is no evidence of measles spreading within the Orlando community.

According to Khoury, cases of communicable diseases are not categorized as Florida cases if the individuals affected are not state residents or if they contracted the disease outside of Florida. Healthcare providers are mandated by law to report suspected measles cases to the appropriate health authorities, who conduct thorough investigations, including contact tracing and monitoring potential exposures.

The recent development underscores ongoing concerns regarding Florida’s public health strategies and transparency. Measles, once eradicated in the United States, resurfaced earlier this year in a Broward County elementary school. The subsequent spread of the virus prompted scrutiny of the state’s health policies, particularly surrounding vaccination protocols.

An aerial view of EPCOT inside of Walt Disney World Resort, showing the many forms of the Disney transportation system, like the Skyliner. — Credit: Bioreconstruct on Twitter (X)

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Despite being highly contagious, measles is preventable through vaccination, with immunization offering robust protection against the disease. The efficacy of vaccination in preventing disease transmission is estimated at 97%, highlighting its critical role in public health efforts to combat measles outbreaks.

In light of the information provided, visitors to Disney World can adopt several proactive measures to prepare for the possibility of measles cases in the Orlando area:

Stay Informed: Guests should remain informed about the latest updates concerning measles cases in the Orlando vicinity. Regularly checking reputable news sources and official announcements from local health authorities can help individuals stay abreast of any developments.

Vaccination: Ensuring they and their family are up-to-date on measles vaccinations is paramount. Vaccination remains the most effective method for preventing measles transmission and safeguarding against infection. Guests uncertain about their vaccination status or requiring booster shots should seek guidance from their healthcare provider.

Practice Good Hygiene: Guests should adhere to stringent hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, particularly after being in public places or coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Utilizing hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can also aid in reducing the risk of infection.

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort — Credit: Inside The Magic

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Exercise Caution in Crowded Areas: In densely populated settings such as theme parks, guests should exercise caution and practice social distancing whenever feasible. Avoiding close contact with individuals displaying symptoms of illness or appearing unwell can assist in minimizing the risk of exposure to infectious diseases like measles.

Seek Medical Attention if Necessary: Guests experiencing symptoms consistent with measles, such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and rash, should promptly seek medical attention. It is essential to inform healthcare providers of recent travel history and any potential exposure to measles to facilitate accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

By remaining informed, practicing stringent hygiene, ensuring vaccination status, and taking appropriate precautions, visitors to Disney World can mitigate the risk of measles exposure and prioritize their health in Orlando.