Measles spread across states

Concern grows as the number of people diagnosed with measles in the U.S. increases.

Experts are linking the epidemic to the growing anti-vaccination movement among parents.

Since the outbreak of measles at Disneyland in California earlier this month, even more states are confirming measles cases.

The latest case is someone in suburban Chicago.

Recently, cases have been popping up in Arizona.

A report out Thursday says more than 1,000 people in three counties may have been exposed to measles.

This comes at a time when tens of thousands of people are heading to Phoenix for the Superbowl.

“If I was going to the Superbowl, I would not be concerned with getting measles,” said Doctor Cindy Ruffolo, at Providence Urgent Care.

Ruffolo told ABC 17 News people immunized for measles should not be worried, but can not say the same for those who have not been vaccinated.

“If you are not immunized I wouldn’t go, if you think you will be exposed to someone with the measles,” said Ruffolo.

Measles is an upper respiratory virus that causes a red rash all over a person’s body.

“It is very contagious. In fact, most of the time you don’t know you have it until you have already spread it to other people,” said Ruffolo, “Probably 90 percent of those who get exposed would come down with it if they haven’t been immunized.”

In Missouri, it is state law for students to have an MMR vaccine.

MMR stands for measles, mumps – and rubella.

The University of Missouri requires students to have proof of two MMR vaccines.

So far, there have been no reported cases of anyone in Missouri with measles.

The Columbia Boone County Health Department said this should serve as a reminder for those who are not vaccinated to get the immunization.