Measles Outbreak The Worst in Six Years

More than 70 cases of measles have health officials concerned about the worst outbreak they have seen in more than six years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported cases in ten states in which 14 people were hospitalized. Last week, eight cases alone were reported in Washington.

Outbreaks have declined dramatically since the early 1960s when measles vaccinations began. The majority of cases reported in 2008 were unvaccinated.

New York City has seen the largest concentration of diagnosed cases, with 22 having been reported. Cases have also been reported in Arizona, California, Michigan, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Measles is caused by a viral infection in the throat and lungs, and can be spread by sneezing and coughing. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. As many as 1 in 5 with the disease experience more severe symptoms, which can lead to death.

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