The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday reported the biggest measles outbreak in the United States in more than seven years. The CDC reported that a series of outbreaks in 10 states between January and April 25 has resulted in 72 measles cases, the highest number reported over the same time period since 2001.

According to the CDC, Cases have been reported in nine states, and measles outbreaks are continuing in Arizona, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin. Some eight cases have been reported in Washington State since April 25. Most of the cases that have been reported were unvaccinated. There were 116 cases in 2001, and the last major U.S. outbreak occurred from 1989 to 1991, when 55,000 people got measles and 123 died.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said none of those who caught the highly contagious viral illness has died, but at least 14 people have been hospitalized, most with pneumonia triggered by measles.

Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said, "We are concerned about the population of people who are choosing not to be vaccinated and whether we may be on the verge of experiencing larger outbreaks among people in the United States.”