Measles cases in the United States are at the highest level since elimination, nearly 20 years ago, according to the CDC

The number of measles cases reported in the United States has reached its highest level in nearly 20 years, health officials said Wednesday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 695 cases of measles had been reported in 22 states on Wednesday afternoon, the highest number since the nationwide eradication of the disease.

The CDC has attributed the "high number of cases" to large outbreaks in the state of Washington and New York, which began late last year.

Eric Risberg / AP, FILE

"The outbreaks in New York and New York State are among the largest and most enduring since the elimination of measles in 2000," the CDC said in a statement. "The longer these epidemics last, the greater the likelihood of measles becoming established in the United States."

The World Health Organization has noted a 300% increase in measles cases worldwide, earlier this month, compared to the first quarter of 2018.

Health and Social Services Secretary Alex Azar said vaccinations are the only way to keep the country safe.

ABC News, CDC

"Measles is not a harmless childhood disease, but an extremely contagious and potentially life-threatening disease," Azar said Wednesday night. "We are able to safely protect our children and our communities Vaccines are a safe and highly effective public health solution for preventing this disease."

"All Americans would be safer and healthier if we received measles vaccines within the recommended time frame," Azar added.

Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted in the air by coughing or sneezing.

The outbreak of cases stems in part from the spread of misinformation about vaccines online. Anti-vaccination activists have gained popularity on social media, amid false claims of autism immunizations.

Measles vaccine, now administered concurrently with mumps and rubella vaccination, is considered by public health practitioners to be safe and extremely effective. The CDC recommends that all Americans over the age of 1 get vaccinated.

"Curbing measles outbreaks is a priority for the CDC and we work around the clock to protect Americans from this contagious disease.Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles," said the CDC. "Today, the vast majority of parents choose to protect their children with vaccines and we have seen high and stable vaccination rates in the United States for several years."