What is Measles?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, measles are
A: an acute contagious disease that is caused by a paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus (species Measles virus), that commences with catarrhal symptoms, conjunctivitis, cough, and Koplik's spots on the oral mucous membrane, and that is marked by the appearance on the third or fourth day of an eruption of distinct red circular spots which coalesce in a crescentic form, are slightly raised, and after the fourth day of the eruption gradually decline -- called also rubeola:
B: any of various eruptive diseases (as German measles).

What that translates to is measles are a potentially life threatening disease and can lead to diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. The symptoms of measles according to the CDC are rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (lasts about a week).

Measles Vaccinations
While measles isn't a common disease in the U.S, it is still widespread around the world. If you have children that are going back to school, it's a wise idea to make sure your child has their measles vaccination. Of the 131 patients, 112 were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. According to the CDC, measles is consistently one of the first diseases to reappear when immunization coverage rates fall. Increases in the proportion of the population declining vaccination for themselves or their children might lead to large-scale outbreaks in the U.S.