See five things Rhode Islanders need to know about the current outbreaks and other pertinent facts about measles.

Measles cases are rising in the U.S. with infections confirmed in at least five states this year, and primarily spreading among unvaccinated people.

Now, it’s usually fewer than 200 in a normal year. Measles cases have been reported in Alaska, Georgia, New York, Rhode Island and Texas, according to the CDC. All of the people infected are unvaccinated. The CDC recommends all children get two doses ...

Wisconsin has not reported a measles case since April 2024, though vaccination rates for the disease are lagging.

Overall, unvaccinated children are at the greatest risk for measles, according to the CDC. The CDC currently recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for all children, with a first dose at age 12-15 months and a second dose at age 4-6 years.

According to the CDC, measles symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Measles rash appears three to five days after the first symptoms. Koplik's spots, tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin