In 2008, measles outbreaks in several states have led to more than 70 cases so far, the worst in six years, health officials added.
Cases have been reported in nine states, and measles outbreaks are continuing in Arizona, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin. There have been 15 reported measles cases in Arizona, 12 in California, three in Hawaii, one in Illinois, four in Michigan, 22 in New York City and one in New York state.
There's also been one case in Pennsylvania, one in Virginia and four in Wisconsin. Another eight cases have been reported in Washington state since April 25, the CDC said.
There were no deaths, but 14 people were hospitalized, CDC spokesman Curtis Allen said, adding that most of the cases have been traced to outbreaks overseas and are mainly in non-vaccinated children.
Of the 64 cases reported to the CDC as of last week, 63 were not sure about being vaccinated. At least 54 of the cases stemmed from outbreaks in Switzerland, Israel or other countries, Allen said.
Measles vaccinations began in the early 1960s. Since then there has been a decline in measles cases in the U.S. There has been a rising concern in some parents about the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as they believe it can cause autism or other diseases. Such parents who have decided against vaccination for their children have left children vulnerable to these diseases.
About one in five measles sufferers experience more severe illness that can include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis and even seizures and death.
