Measles outbreak linked to Disneyland as nine people fall ill

Nine Americans have been diagnosed with measles probably contracted on trips to Disney theme parks in California in the past month.

All patients with confirmed or suspected cases of the illness visited Disneyland or Disney California Adventure between December 15 and December 20, the state's Department of Public Health said.

They were believed to have picked up the airborne illness at one of the parks, according to officials. People with measles can be infectious for nine days.

In California, there are now seven confirmed cases with five from different areas of the state, ranging in age from eight months to 21-years-old. Six were not vaccinated against the disease, including two who were too young to be vaccinated.

Dr Ron Chapman, director of the state's Department of Public Health, urged anyone who might have been exposed to check with a doctor.

"The best way to prevent measles and its spread is to get vaccinated," he said.