Calif. School Bars Non-Immunized Students After Measles Outbreak

Following a recent outbreak of measles at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, officials in Orange County are barring children from attending one high school unless they can show evidence of a measles vaccination.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Orange County health officials have ordered about two dozen high school students lacking measles immunization records to stay home from school.

The order was made at Huntington Beach High School after it was discovered that a student with measles had attended class after visiting Disneyland over the holiday break.

"If there is a case in the school and their child is not immunized, they will be removed from the school for 21 days," Dr. Eric Handler, the Orange County public health officer, told the LA TImes. "From an epidemiological standpoint, in order to prevent spread of the disease, this is a necessary measure."

The decision to bar students from attending class comes after five Disneyland Resort employees were diagnosed with the highly-infectious disease that includes rash, fever, and cough, among other symptoms.

The outbreak happened over holiday break at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California, where a perfect breeding ground existed of close contact with thousands of children from around the world.

"To date, a few cast members have tested positive and some have been medically cleared and returned to work," Dr. Pamela Hymel, Disney's chief medical officer, said in a statement. "Cast members who may have come in contact with those who were positive are being tested for the virus. While awaiting results, they have been put on paid leave until medically cleared."