A state of emergency has just been declared in Washington state over an outbreak of the measles, a devastating disease that is unfortunately making a big comeback.

Though measles was declared to be eliminated in the United States back in 2000 thanks to the vaccine, vaccination rates have been on the decline in recent years, allowing the disease to return.

The state of emergency was declared in Washington after the number of measles cases hit 25 over the weekend, with 24 of them being children who had not been vaccinated. The main symptom of measles is a red rash that is often accompanied by a high fever, runny nose, sore throat and inflamed eyes.

Measles is particularly dangerous because it can be fatal in children.

“The measles virus is a highly contagious infectious disease that can be fatal in small children,” said Governor Jay Inslee, going on to say that the outbreak creates an “extreme public health risk.”

All but one of the cases have appeared in Clark County, which is right on the Oregon border, with the only other case involoving a man who recently travelled to this area.

The Centers for Disease Control has warned that two out of ever 1,000 children who contract the measles will die, which has led to Washington officials desperately scrambling to try and contain the disease before it proves fatal for someone.

This serves as a reminder that despite what some people say, vaccinating your children is very important. In situations like this one, it may just save their lives.