Measles outbreaks are cropping up across the US. The epicenter of the disease, rearing its head in West Texas, where one child is dead and at least 18 others hospitalized among the more than 120 children affected by the disease across the state.

Though CDC data shows 0 cases in Ohio as of February 20, an infectious disease specialist says, it could only be a matter of time before an outbreak in the Buckeye state.

"Measles is arguably the most infectious of the viruses," Dr. Dee Banks tells 21 News. "For example, if a person with measles is exposed to ten people, at least nine of them will probably get it. So, considering the infectivity rate of this virus, I wouldn't be surprised if this virus marched its way into Ohio."

The introduction of measles vaccine in 1963 nearly eradicated the disease among some generations.
But that's no longer the case, as a trend of families delaying or deciding against immunizations for children continues to grow.

That could spell disaster or even risk of death for children exposed to Measles and are missing the two-dose MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective against the virus.

"We haven't had a death since 2015, so that's ten years ago," Dr. Banks reflected. " So when you talk about the weakened link that we're seeing here (...) we see this child, as I understand, in Texas who was hospitalized, and we have a death. So that's certainly alarming to me."

While children are most commonly affected by measles, anyone can be affected by the disease.

CDC guidelines suggest that anyone born before 1957 is presumed to have immunity to the virus.
For those born after 1957 and know that they have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, there is no recommendation to receive an extra shot.

Presumed immunity (for those born before 1957) or even one dose of the vaccine, offer sufficient protection for most adults.

Dr. Banks recommends that those born between 1968 and 1989 who do not have access to documented vaccine records and are unsure if they have been vaccinated may want to consider their options.

"You can go to your health care provider and get a Measles antibody test, which is available, and that way you can see what your immunity status is," Dr. Banks adds.