Measles outbreaks across Texas and New Mexico have sickened nearly 100 people, with more cases expected, according to state health officials. The disease has spread through the South Plains region of Texas since late January,

Measles is a highly contagious disease. Here's what you should know about how to protect yourself against measles, as well as what's happening in Texas and New Mexico.

The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 "thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine," the CDC said, but now U.S. coverage among children of kindergarten age is below the 95 percent coverage target, which creates a higher risk for outbreaks of the virus.