The number of Californians stricken with measles continues to rise.
At this time last year, there were only four cases of measles statewide.
This year’s total of 56 is the highest number California has reported in 14 years.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.
Health officials say since then, the rise in the number of unvaccinated children is a major concern.
Nineteen states, including California, allow parents to exempt their kids from vaccinations due to personal beliefs.
More than 10 percent of public school children are unvaccinated in nine California counties.
Orange County has seen a recent increase in the number of unvaccinated kindergartners. It also has recorded 22 cases of measles this year, more than any other county in the state.
Measles is highly contagious. The disease killed 122,000 people worldwide in 2012.
