The vaccine is the only way to prevent measles, but it also prevents other illnesses. The other "M" stands for mumps, and the "R" stands for rubella. Children can also get an MMRV vaccine, which adds protection against varicella, better known as chickenpox.

The measles outbreak is surging in West Texas, especially in under-vaccinated communities, but it’s not just coverage with the measles vaccine that is lagging behind. The use of other key vaccines in the childhood immunization schedule has decreased too.

The COVID-19 vaccine has prompted more than 10 times as many reports of adverse symptoms than the measles vaccine.

A school-aged child has died as Texas battles a measles outbreak with over 135 cases. Learn who's at risk and how to check your vaccination status.

If you've already been vaccinated for measles, do you need to get a booster now that it's spreading in the US?

Measles symptoms resemble other common childhood illnesses, but occur all together. Early symptoms include a relentless cough, runny nose, and red, puffy eyes similar to conjunctivitis or pink eye.

Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a highly contagious virus that's more infectious than influenza, chickenpox or COVID-19.