"There can be a resurgence of the disease," warned Ingham County Health Department Director Dr. Dean Sienko.

A disease once thought to be all but eliminated in the United States is now back in full force.

"We are concerned in the public health department that we are seeing , nationally, the largest number of cases of measles since the mid 90s."

There are now at least 127 confirmed cases nationwide in 15 states, including Michigan, and many fear that number could continue to grow. Doctors say it all started when overseas travelers caught the disease abroad and brought it back home...It quickly spread with many victims being children.

"We are concerned that this is representative of parents who are not getting their children vaccinated in a timely manner."

Dr. Dean Sienko says the decline is vaccinations may be due to the misunderstanding that these vaccines lead to autism in children.

"These studies have not, have not demonstrated any association between the vaccine and the onset of autism."

Still, he believes many parents have that fear. But unless more get vaccinated, Sienko says the disease could spread rapidly.

"Measles is a highly contagious disease. It's one of the most contagious organisms that are out there."

And it can bring some nasty symptoms. It can start with a runny nose or cough and soon lead to a full body rash and a fever exceeding 101 degrees.

For information on how to vaccinate your child contact your health department or family physician.