Measles has been successfully eradicated in the United States since 2000 through preventive programs such as vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have monitored minimal incidence ranging from 37 to 220 cases annually during the period of 2001 to 2013. However, in 2014, resurgence increased and totalled to 610 cases in 24 U.S. states. Lately, 19 people have contracted the disease, which health authorities attribute to unvaccinated tourists. All of the patients have been to Disneyland from Dec. 15 to 20, 2014 and may have been exposed to carriers of the measles virus. The theme park officials have been helping and coordinating with government officials on this matter.

At least 16 cases were reported in California, two in Utah, and one in Colorado. According to the California Department of Public Health, of the 16 cases in California, only two people have complete immunization while the rest have incomplete vaccination or are too young to be immunized. During hospital confinement, more people were exposed to the ill patients. A representative from the Orange County Health Agency cautions the public to observe safety measures when they suspect themselves of having measles symptoms. This way, the contagious disease is contained.

People in the United States are protected from measles through vaccination, but the disease is brought into the country when unvaccinated citizens acquire them overseas or when foreigners carrying the virus visit. In December, two unvaccinated adults who just came from the Philippines, were reported by the Grand Traverse County Health Department to have contracted the disease. Later, three more people who have no immunization have fallen ill after meeting up with the two individuals. The Philippines was facing a major outbreak in 2014. Efforts in measles eradication in developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa have not been that intense to reduce measles outbreak dramatically. Many unvaccinated visitors from these regions visit major cities and destinations in the United States like Disneyland in California every now and then.

Health authorities reiterate the need for vaccination to protect families and the community. There are people who decide not to have their children vaccinated, but they should always be prepared for any outbreak because the highly communicable disease can lead to complications.