As cases of measles continue to rise, health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccinations.

As of March 28, 2024, a total of 97 measles cases have been reported by several states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. [source]

Symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash of red spots. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles will be hospitalized, approximately 1 in every 20 children will develop pneumonia, and others may develop a dangerous swelling in the brain called encephalitis. Up to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles may die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

Thanks to a highly effective vaccine, measles is preventable. Experts recommend that children get the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 months and 15 months of age, and a second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection; two doses are about 97% effective. [source]