CHICAGO (WLS) — Health officials in Illinois declared an end to an outbreak in the state.

There were a total of eight cases in southern Illinois and two unrelated cases in Cook County in April and May.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Illinois Department of Public Health officials said Friday that the southern Illinois outbreak is deemed over, with no new cases since May 22.

“The end of this outbreak, capping at just 8 cases and no serious illnesses in Illinois, is a testament to the deliberate, decisive, and successful work of our public health and medical professionals,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Public health is made stronger by the power of partnership, and this measles response was a coordinated effort that included IDPH, local health departments, as well as other dedicated community and health care partners. Vaccination remains our most effective tool to prevent measles. I recommend that Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations.”

The CDC says nationwide, we have reached the highest number of measles cases in more than three decades, with over 1,200 confirmed cases across 38 states.

That’s a huge spike from the 285 cases the CDC recorded last year.

Health experts say the highly contagious disease caused by a virus can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, long term complications and death.

RELATED: US having worst year for measles in more than 3 decades, CDC says

Here and across the country officials are urging people to get vaccinated.

“To reach herd immunity where the community is protective you need 95-percent of individuals to be vaccinated,” Dr. Tara Narula, ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent, said. “Our rates for the last several years for kindergarteners have been around 93-percent…For most of us who have gotten vaccinated there’s no need for an additional shot or booster. For individuals born before 1957 they are also considered protected or immune, because they were likely exposed.”

Symptoms of measles include a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, runny nose or red eyes and a rash that starts right around the hairline area and moves down the body lasting three days or more.