CDC reports 118 measles cases in 23 states, issues travel alert highlighting vaccination recommendations

CDC officials on Tuesday released a report stating that 118 measles cases in 23 states have been identified in the U.S. so far this year, more than double the average number of cases reported annually, the Associated Press/Seattle Times reports (Stobbe, 5/24). While no one has died so far, 40 percent of cases required hospitalization, USA Today notes.

According to the newspaper, the highly contagious disease is being "spread largely by unvaccinated travelers who bring the disease" back to the U.S. CDC also issued a travel alert explaining vaccination recommendations for infants, children and adults. Europe is experiencing a measles epidemic, with 38 countries reporting cases, according to the newspaper (Szabo, 5/25).