(File Photo: Source for Photo: This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015, shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle. (Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, via AP, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The measles cases in the state of Pennsylvania surpassed a total of 1,200 over the weekend.

This comes as the United States is experiencing the worst year for measles since 1991.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to lead the robust response to the ongoing outbreak of measles in the state and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, deaths and hospitalizations available on its measles dashboard (click here).

Getting fully vaccinated for measles is the best protection against it, and if you think you have been exposed to it or are experiencing symptoms of measles, you should either call your health care provider or call 877-724-3258.

Symptoms of measles begin with cough, fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and is followed by a rash which starts on the head and spreads downward.

Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after the exposure and measles can be deadly without the proper protection or supportive care.