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U.S. measles cases hit highest mark in 25 years

New York City health officials on Wednesday reported 61 new cases since late last week.

NEW YORK — U.S. measles cases have climbed to their highest level in 25 years, largely because misinformation is turning parents against vaccines.

New York City health officials on Wednesday reported 61 new cases since late last week. 

According to an Associated Press count, that pushes this year’s national tally past the 667 cases reported for all of 2014, making it the worst year for measles since 1994.

RELATED: U.S. measles count up to 555, most reported cases since 2014

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates its national measles count on Mondays, and officials on Wednesday said they are reviewing and validating the latest reports.

RELATED: Here's what everyone needs to understand about the measles virus

Roughly three-quarters of this year’s illnesses have been in New York, mainly in New York City and nearby Rockland County. Most of those cases have been in unvaccinated people in Orthodox Jewish communities.

The CDC recommends the vaccine for every American over 1-year-old.

MORE ABOUT MEASLES IN EAST TENNESSEE:

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RELATED: 10Listens: Health officials have contacted more than 600 people that may have come in contact with measles patient

RELATED: TN man with measles was not vaccinated, may have exposed people in Miss. during travel

RELATED: Health department: Measles cases are rare in Tennessee

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