Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus, and can be severe or even fatal. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect yourself against measles is to get vaccinated. Here, TIME answers all your questions about the vaccine.

The New Mexico Department of Health is warning residents of possible measles exposure at several locations. There have been 24 confirmed cases of measles in neighboring Texas. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through coughing and ...