NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Health professionals are urging folks with children to take all available precautions to prevent the spread of measles.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that so far this year there have been 219 cases of Measles in the United States. Breaking it down even further with a 45% hospitalization rate it’s mostly young children under the age of five.

But it’s a large swing up from last year were only 59 cases were reported throughout the country. And, while there hasn’t been a confirmed case in North Dakota since 2011, health professionals warn that not taking preventative measures now can be devastating for entire the state.

“Measles immunization rate drops to something like 90 or 88% which sounds pretty high. You do have enough of a vulnerability with the amount of people who aren’t vaccinated in that community for a single case of measles to cause an outbreak in a community,” said Danni Pinnick, the immunization surveillance coordinator at HHS.

According to the CDC, measles cases are commonly brought to the United States through international travel. And since measles is common in many countries around the world travelers visiting America can spread the disease to folks easier. HHS is urging people with children on the potential risks of traveling, without taking the necessary precautions.

“It is really risky as an individual to travel within the U.S. and outside the U.S. with young children who aren’t vaccinated against measles,” said Pinnick.

For information about Measles and its risks to children, you can visit this website .

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