Five Infants Sickened as Measles Outbreak Grows

The nationwide measles outbreak is growing, with the latest cases involving five babies at a Chicago daycare center.

"These cases underscore the need for everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to ensure that they have been vaccinated," Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said in a statement. "There are certain individuals who, because of their age or clinical condition, cannot be vaccinated."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are now more than 100 reported cases in 14 states.

Health officials thought measles was wiped out in the United States just 15 years ago because of the high number of people who got the measles vaccine.

Now, however, many people are choosing not to get vaccinated.

While most schools and daycare centers require parents to provide proof that their child has received the measles vaccine, that regulation is not strictly enforced. Parent may opt out of getting their child vaccinated for religious or philosophical reasons.

Although measles is highly contagious, it is usually not life-threatening and does not typically lead to any permanent health problems.