What parents need to know as measles outbreaks spread across the USABC News explains what parents should know as measles spreads in the US, where the CDC reports nearly 5,200 cases across 45 states and eight deaths, and describes the virus's symptoms, complications, and contagiousness. Dr. Andrew Handel, who is extremely concerned, says the MMR vaccine is the best protection, and parents are advised to discuss vaccination with a medical provider.