(ABC 6 News) – Health experts issued a new warning on Tuesday about a major surge of measles infections originating from Florida.

Despite the eradication of the disease in the U.S. nearly 20 years ago, the World Health Organization reported a 79% increase in cases in 2023.

Measles spreads through the air, often leading to fever, cough and rash.

In extreme cases, measles can lead to brain swelling, pneumonia or death.

Complications from measles are most common in children under the age of five and adults over 30.

Infections have already spread to Minnesota, with two confirmed cases this year.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the two are the first cases in the state since 2022, when more than a dozen Minnesotans were part of a nationwide outbreak.