ATLANTA (AP)- Federal health officials said measles outbreaks in several states have led to more than 70 cases so far this year, the worst in six years.

Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control said most of the cases
have been traced to outbreaks overseas and are mainly in children
who were not vaccinated for religious or other reasons.

So far this year, the CDC has confirmed reports of 64 cases in
nine states. There were no deaths, but 14 people were hospitalized.

Measles is caused by a virus that normally grows in cells that line the back of the throat and line the lungs. It spreads through contact with a sneezing, coughing, infected person.