DES MOINES, Iowa —

As the school year begins, doctors are reminding parents to vaccinate their children as health officials track a rise in measles cases across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 2,700 measles cases nationwide this year. In Iowa, health officials have confirmed 17 cases.

Doctors at UnityPoint Health emphasize that vaccination is the best defense against the disease.

“We’ve had more cases of measles in the U.S. this year than we have in over three decades. And so the virus doesn’t know state lines, and so as you’re going back to school, checking and making sure your kid’s vaccine status is up to date is really important,” said Dr. Joel Waddell, pediatric infectious disease physician.

Measles is highly contagious, with symptoms including fever, cough, red or watery eyes, runny nose and a rash.

Health officials advise anyone who believes they have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider or nearest emergency room before seeking in-person care.