Health officials have reported that the United States is currently experiencing the most substantial number of measles cases it has seen in two decades.

The overwhelming majority of reported cases have stemmed from travel abroad by people who have not been vaccinated and who then contract the illness. Once they return home, the virus can spread throughout other unvaccinated members of their communities.

The Philippines, which is has been experiencing an outbreak that began last October, is the most common place people are traveling to and contracting the disease from. Between the start of the year and April 20, over 32,000 cases of measles have been documented, as well as 41 deaths.

A large portion of the outbreak in the U. S. has been centered in Ohio, where, as of May 23, 183 cases had been reported. The spread has largely been centered on Amish communities in Ohio who have recently traveled to the Philippines.

The total count for the entire country was at 288 on May 23. Of these, 280 (97 percent) have been linked to individuals who have traveled without proper vaccinations. Over 14 percent of those infected had to be hospitalized.

This outbreak is especially complicated because of the historical success of vaccines in the United States. In 2000, measles had been declared eradicated from the country and now that it has returned, doctors have little to no experience in recognizing the symptoms. Now, as the anti-vaccination movement continues to hold sway in communities across the country, the disease has been reintroduced into the country and allowed to spread.

Health officials encourage the public to stay current with their vaccines in an effort to curb further spread of the measles virus. Medical professionals are encouraged to watch for symptoms, which include fever, cough, and a rash that starts at the head and spreads down the body. Anyone thought to have measles should remain isolated, especially from unvaccinated people, to prevent transmission to others.