More than 3,880 measles cases have been reported across the US this year, the highest annual total since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Measles can cause fever, rashes, and coughing, and about one in four infected people ends up hospitalized. The MMR vaccine, which also targets mumps and rubella, is 97% effective at preventing the disease.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious illnesses. Click through to learn how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to stay protected.