ST. CLOUD -- Health agencies around the state are reminding you of the importance of getting your children the proper immunizations.

This week is National Immunization Awareness week.

Janelle Johnson is a Pediatrician with CentraCare Health. She says it's important to vaccinate children to protect them from preventable diseases.

The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed the first case of measles in Minnesota this year in Hennepin County last week.

Measles is a contagious disease and can spread through the air. Johnson says it's important to protect your children from this contagious disease.

While measles was declared eliminated in the U.S in 2000, it is still commonly transmitted in many parts of the world.

If you are concerned that you may have a case of measles Johnson says to contact your health care provider.

There have been 129 cases and 13 outbreaks reported nationally in the first four months of 2014. That is the highest number for that period in the past 18 years.

More From AM 1240 WJON