Nationally, the U.S. measles outbreak has hit 704 cases, and incidences of the highly contagious and potentially fatal disease are expected to keep climbing. Mumps outbreaks have also been reported around the country, including a recent one at Temple University that has sickened at least 140 people. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against both diseases. It is recommended for all children starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.