Doctor: On Average, Measles Will Infect 18 Other People

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - While the Ebola virus was a big concern, Dr. Saul Hymes, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Stony Brook Medical Center said there are other things to worry about.

"Measles is really the disease that actually fits that picture the best. One person with measles will on average infect 18 other people," he told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond.

He said even if you've been vaccinated, you may not be immune.

"Adults, or even some young adults who never got that catch up vaccine for their second dose, could be at increased risk," Hymes said.

Measles can lead to pneumonia or encephalitis; one in 1,000 children die from it.