And a possible second measles death has been reported in the U.S. after a New Mexico resident tested positive for the virus following their death.

The largest outbreaks are unfolding in New Mexico and Texas, but have also popped up in New Jersey and the state.

According to the Department of Health, as of February 28th, there are still three confirmed cases here.

The original patient is an unvaccinated child who had recently traveled overseas.

The other two infected people were also unvaccinated and came in close contact with that first patient.

Public health experts say it's not uncommon to see sporadic cases of measles reported.

Last year, for example, there were a total of seven confirmed cases of the illness in New Jersey.

But what does concern them is the rising number of kids who are going unvaccinated, mainly on religious grounds.

Over the last ten years, state records show the percentage of children skipping vaccines through religious exemptions more than doubled to just over 4%.

Vaccine choice advocates say the choice should be left to parents.

Medical professionals, though, say it puts the most vulnerable in the community at risk and is still the best way to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.