The rise of measles cases overall in the U.S. has been widely reported on and includes, this year alone, outbreaks in California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Although the disease was thought to be eradicated in the United States at the start of the 21st century, a resurgence has occurred in recent years, attributed in part to a resistance to vaccinations that stems from a study linking vaccinations to autism which has since been discredited. (Additionally, the researcher behind the study, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, lost his license to practice medicine in the U.K.)
Although thought of has a childhood disease, measles can affect individuals of any age. It is a highly contagious illness that can cause serious complications, particularly during pregnancy.