Indiana health officials are on high alert after a spike in measles cases recently.

So far a total of 156 cases have been reported nationwide to the CDC. In Indiana fourteen cases have been confirmed in Noble and Lagrange County.

All of the cases, except one, had not received the recommended double dose of the measles vaccine. It's recommended that starting by age one children receive at least two MMR vaccines.

Some students are home schooled or opt out for religious reasons plus the vaccine was not commonly administered until the 1970s.

In 2000 measles were considered eliminated by the CDC.

Health authorities believe the virus has been spreading to the state through travel.

“We haven't had any here in St. Joseph County but in Indiana there have been some cases, “says Director of Nursing at the St. Joseph County Health Department Barb Baker. “People are very mobile. It’s summer, it’s travel time, so it’s a good idea to make sure you are up to date on your immunizations.”

The MMR vaccine is covered by most insurance plans and all Indiana Medicaid programs. If you are unsure about your vaccination history health officials recommend contacting your doctor.