See five things Rhode Islanders need to know about the current outbreaks and other pertinent facts about measles.

Measles cases have been reported in Alaska, Georgia, New York, Rhode Island and Texas, according to the CDC. All of the people infected are unvaccinated. RELATED: Flu season docto

Other states reporting measles cases are Alaska, Georgia, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, according to USA TODAY. Here's what to know about the measles outbreak in New Mexico. The first case of measles in Lea County prompted the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) to declare an outbreak on Feb.

Cases of the highly contagious disease are expected to rise and potentially spread to other states where vaccination rates are low.

The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 "thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine," the CDC said, but now U.S. coverage among children of kindergarten age is below the 95 percent coverage target, which creates a higher risk for outbreaks of the virus.

Overall, unvaccinated children are at the greatest risk for measles, according to the CDC. The CDC currently recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for all children, with a first dose at age 12-15 months and a second dose at age 4-6 years.

The best way to stay protected against measles is to get vaccinated, according to experts. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective against measles after one dose and 97% effective against measles after two, according to the CDC .

With cases of measles—a highly contagious virus—popping up across the country, you might be wondering if you need another dose of the vaccine. Here's what experts recommend.