Measles resurfaces at Disneyland after an international visitor tested positive; officials warn exposed guests, urge MMR vaccination and symptom monitoring.
Disneyland officials confirmed they were notified of the case on January 31 and said they are cooperating with local health authorities to protect both guests and staff.
A confirmed measles case linked to a visit to Disneyland Resort has health authorities on alert in Southern California, marking the first time the highly contagious virus has been detected at the park since 2015. The infected person, an international traveler, visited several popular locations at the resort and Los Angeles International Airport while contagious, prompting public health warnings for anyone who may have been exposed.
Officials say the individual arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and subsequently spent time at Goofy’s Kitchen and both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on January 28, possibly exposing thousands of visitors.
We are now facing the largest measles outbreak since the disease was eliminated from the United States over a quarter-century ago.
— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 3, 2026
The science is clear: vaccines are the best way to protect against measles. The NIH Director admits it. Why won’t RFK, Jr.? pic.twitter.com/XDmelNGDMK
Public health agencies have outlined specific places and time windows where exposure could have occurred:
Anyone who was at these locations during those hours may begin experiencing measles symptoms within 7 to 21 days after exposure, and should monitor their health accordingly.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes, and can linger in indoor spaces even after they leave.
Local authorities are advising anyone who may have been exposed to:
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles, and getting the full two-dose MMR series significantly lowers the risk of infection.
Disneyland officials confirmed they were notified of the case on January 31 and said they are cooperating with local health authorities to protect both guests and staff. “We are closely following all guidance and recommendations by local health officials to support the well-being of our guests and cast members,” said Disney Experiences Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel in a statement shared with news outlets.
Disneyland has not reported additional cases at this time, but continues to work with health agencies on contact tracing and informing potentially exposed people.
The Disneyland exposure comes amid a nationwide rise in measles cases, with hundreds reported across multiple states so far this year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 588 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. in 2026, including several linked to international travel.
While measles elimination status means no sustained domestic spread has occurred for over a year, experts warn that declining vaccination rates and global outbreaks could threaten that status unless vaccination coverage improves.
Measles last made headlines at Disneyland during a 2014-2015 outbreak that eventually spread beyond California to multiple states and countries. That outbreak led to over 130 confirmed cases connected to the theme park and triggered policy changes aimed at improving vaccination rates.
Now, more than a decade later, this new exposure serves as a reminder of how rapidly measles can spread — especially in crowded public places like amusement parks — and how critical vaccination remains for community protection.
Public health officials emphasize safety precautions for those planning trips to crowded destinations like Disneyland:
Early action can help prevent further transmission and protect vulnerable groups, including young children and those with weakened immune systems.
As health agencies continue tracking potential exposures and advising affected individuals, visitors and residents alike are reminded to stay informed and prioritize vaccination to curb the spread of measles.
