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MyFoxBoston.com) -- On Tuesday, medical experts from the CDC and children's hospitals nationwide will testify before Congress regarding vaccinations and the concern for children who aren't getting them.
The CDC says the number of measles cases in the U.S. jumped nearly 20-percent just this past week. There are now 121 reported cases of measles in the U.S. so far this year.
Until recently, it was unusual to see more than 100 cases in an entire year. Measles are typically brought into the country by foreign visitors or by Americans who pick up the highly contagious virus overseas.
In rare cases, measles can be deadly.
Adding to the problem are parents who choose not to vaccinate kids, some citing false reports connecting vaccines to autism.
Doctors from the CDC and children's hospitals at Tuesday's hearing are expected to reinforce the importance of vaccinating children. They recommend kids get their first measles vaccination shot at 12 months of age.
