Measles cases rise; Florida health officials urge residents to get vaccinated

Florida health officials are reminding residents of the importance of vaccinating against the measles after seeing more confirmed cases of measles so far this year than in nearly 15 years.

All but one of this year's seven confirmed cases involved children between the ages of 1 and 16 years who weren't vaccinated against the contagious disease, which can lead to life-threatening complications, officials said Thursday. Most were exposed to the disease while travelling internationally or within the United States, which currently is also seeing an unusually high number of cases.

Measles is a virus that spreads easily through the air. Symptoms include a blotchy rash, fever, cough, runny nose, malaise, and red, watery eyes.