Confirmed Measles Cases at Manatee Bay Elementary Rise to Six, Health Officials Investigate
The number of confirmed measles cases at Manatee Bay Elementary has risen to six since the first recent case was reported on Friday, according to health officials. The Florida Department of Health in Broward County is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation into the multiple cases of measles that have occurred at the school.
Health officials are working closely with Broward County Public Schools and local hospitals to identify individuals who may have come into close contact with the infected individuals and are at a higher risk of transmission and severe illness. The district has also announced that it will be taking additional measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including deep cleaning the school and replacing its air filters.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, it has slowly made a comeback over the years. The last reported case of measles in Broward County was in 2019, but it was only a single case. The recent outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary highlights the importance of understanding the symptoms and spread of measles.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that resides in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. While many people may think of measles as a mild rash and fever that clears up within a few days, it can actually lead to serious health complications, especially in children under the age of five.
The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can live in the air for up to two hours, meaning that individuals who breathe in the contaminated air or touch infected surfaces and then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths can become infected. It’s important to note that animals do not get or spread measles.
The resurgence of measles in the United States can be attributed to travelers bringing the virus into the country. Outbreaks can occur among unvaccinated individuals, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the risk of larger outbreaks due to missed or postponed measles-containing vaccinations.
While most children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, it only takes a few unvaccinated individuals to fuel an outbreak. Florida is among the states where parents are increasingly using religious exemptions to opt their children out of vaccinations. This hesitancy towards vaccines is fueled by misinformation, leading to a decrease in immunization rates and an increased risk of infectious diseases like measles.
The symptoms of measles can vary depending on the length of time since exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. The disease can be particularly dangerous for babies and young children. It typically begins with a high fever, followed by a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After a few days, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth, and a rash breaks out on the face, spreading to the rest of the body.
Measles is highly contagious, with up to 90% of individuals who are not immune becoming infected if they come into close contact with an infected person. Infected individuals can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Certain groups are at a higher risk of experiencing complications from measles, including children under five years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
The best way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination. The measles vaccine is routinely given to children in the United States in two doses. The first dose is recommended at 12 to 15 months old, and the second dose is given at 4 to 6 years old. The vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella, is about 98% effective in preventing measles.
In conclusion, the recent outbreak of measles at Manatee Bay Elementary serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and understanding the symptoms and spread of infectious diseases. Measles, once eliminated, has made a comeback due to travelers bringing the virus into the country and the decrease in immunization rates. It is crucial for individuals to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from this highly contagious virus.
