2YH: What does measles outbreak mean for Alaska?

New data from the Center for Disease Control shows there are now 626 confirmed cases of the measles in 22 states across the country. The majority of the new reports are from New York.

Agency officials are predicting that, in the coming weeks, confirmed cases will likely surpass 2014 levels, which saw 667 cases. That was the most since the disease was eliminated in 2000.

So, what does that mean for Alaska? Veterinary Epidemiologist, Louisa Castrodale with the Division of Public Health, said if you've been vaccinated, there's no risk of getting it again.

No cases have been reported in Alaska this year or in 2018, but that doesn't mean you're out of the woods. A public health alert was issued in January for people to check their vaccination status. The concern was if you haven't had the measles and are exposed to it, you can get it.

"Right now there's a lot of activity in New York City and airports in general just because of the nature of people traveling through and not just people from the U.S. but from other countries. Those are places where people with measles could pass through and expose other people through that," said Castrodale.

Officials say to check your vaccination records, because depending on when you were born, you may not have been given the vaccine at all. If you're unsure, ask your doctor.

The CDC said the MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles and one dose is about 93% effective.