Tune into national news via TV or Internet, and you’re sure to find a health announcement about measles. On Feb. 9 the Wall Street Journal reported 121 confirmed United States measles cases.

“Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus,” said the World Health Organization’s website. “In 1980, before widespread vaccination, measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.” The vaccine between 2000 – 2013 prevented an estimated 15.6 million deaths from measles.

“The disease still kills more than 100,000 people a year [world wide],” said the Mayo Clinic’s website. “Most under the age of 5.”

The virus belongs to the paramyxovirus family. Mumps, human parainfluenza virues, and some strains of the common cold viruses also belong to this family. The virus infects the mucous membranes, then spreads throughout the body. Measles is so far a human disease as it is not known to occur in animals.

“Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat,” said the Center of Disease Control’s website. “It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body.” The virus is highly contagious and spreads though the air via coughing and sneezing.

Measles usually improves with home care once you’re infected. Medicine to reduce a fever and plenty of fluid intake are the best routes. It’s also a good idea to stay away from others since the virus is highly contagious. Ideally, stay away from people for four days after the rash appears.

“Most people get better within two weeks,” stated WebMD. “But measles can sometimes cause dangerous problems, such as lung infections or brain swelling. In rare cases, it can even cause seizures or meningitis.”

The best way to prevent getting the measles is to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Other ways are standard procedures of washing hands and steering clear of people who have fallen ill with the disease.