KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - The number of confirmed cases of measles in the metro has more than doubled.
Area health departments are now working with state health officials to investigate the potential outbreak.
Thirteen measles cases have been confirmed in the metro. There are two other probable cases. Officials say they're linked, and the illness is spreading.
Last week, the number was only six.
The people who have been diagnosed have been ordered to stay home until it is clear they are no longer sick.
Health officials are giving them vaccinations and other medications to help them fight the disease.
Measles are highly contagious. It causes fever, runny nose, cough and rash all over the body. And it is contagious even before the rash shows up.
It can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella shot.
Children are protected if they've had the vaccine called MMRV, which also protects them from the chicken pox.
"One person with measles among a group that is unvaccinated will spread it to a lot of people. It is a highly contagious disease. It spreads easily. It used to be basically everybody got it. So it is going spread if there are people who are at risk for picking up the infection," said Dr. Steve Lauer with the University of Kansas Hospital.
If you're experiencing any symptoms of the measles or if you've been exposed to someone who has it, talk to the health department or your doctor.
Health officials say it important to follow their care instructions so you don't put the public at more risk.