PHOENIX (AZFamily) — As measles cases slowly increase in parts of Arizona, doctors are urging anyone unvaccinated for the disease to get the vaccine.

While there have only been possible exposures reported in the Valley, Dr. Russell Horton with Banner Health said slowing the spread through vaccinations is crucial, especially ahead of holiday gatherings.

“Measles is extremely contagious, and so it could get across the state very quickly if it’s allowed to,” Dr. Horton said. “We’ve been declared a measles-free country for almost 20 years, and so this coming back is kind of disappointing.”

The Arizona Department of Health Services gave its latest health update:

137 total cases (increase of 9 from last week)

4 hospitalizations (increase of 1 from last week)

No deaths reported

All new

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