Seventh Case of Measles Linked to Florida Elementary School Outbreak Confirmed
Health officials have confirmed the seventh case of measles linked to an outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida. The Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) received notification from the Florida Department of Health – Broward regarding the additional case. Weston is located approximately 20 miles west of Fort Lauderdale.
The infected patient has not been physically present on campus since February 15th. The school district and health department are working together to address the confirmed cases. Dr. Peter Licata, the superintendent for BCPS, provided an update stating that no other schools in the district have been affected by measles cases.
In response to the outbreak, the school district has implemented additional cleaning measures on school buses and facilities. Vaccination opportunities are also being made available online. Dr. Licata expressed gratitude towards the administration, teachers, and staff at Manatee Bay for their dedication to the school during this challenging time.
The initial case was confirmed earlier this month in a third-grade student who had no travel history. However, specific details about the other infected students, such as their grades, age, sex, and race/ethnicity, have not been disclosed.
Florida currently has a total of 10 confirmed measles cases, with nine in Broward County and one in Polk County, according to the Florida Department of Health. Nationwide, there have been 35 reported cases of measles in 15 states this year, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, indicating that the disease was no longer constantly present in the country. However, recent outbreaks have occurred due to a decline in routine childhood vaccinations and travelers bringing measles into the country.
The first measles vaccine, a single-dose vaccine, was introduced in the U.S. in 1963. Prior to its introduction, there were three to four million cases annually, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths. The current CDC-recommended two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses.
As the investigation into the outbreak continues, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about vaccination opportunities and follow the guidance provided by health officials. By taking proactive measures, communities can work together to prevent the spread of measles and protect public health.
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