Measles outbreak: how contagious is it and what are the symptoms?

Infectious disease experts say the latest outbreak is still in its infancy and could get a lot worse - here's what to know

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Twenty-five years ago, the US eliminated the measles virus. Measles is extremely contagious, and sporadic cases and outbreaks are expected.

But as of 2 May, 683 cases have been confirmed since January, primarily in west Texas. New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and other states have also reported cases. There have been three confirmed deaths from measles in the US, according to the CDC. That includes two deaths in school-aged children who were not vaccinated.