Measles Outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary School Raises Concerns in Weston, Florida
In a concerning turn of events, Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida has been hit by a series of measles cases. Broward Superintendent Peter Licata visited the school on Tuesday to address parents’ fears and provide reassurance. However, just hours after his visit, officials reported a sixth case of the highly-infectious disease connected to the school.
Located at 19200 Manatee Isles Drive, Manatee Bay Elementary School has become a hotbed for the measles outbreak. Licata took the opportunity to check in with students and teachers as they returned to class after the Presidents’ Day holiday. His main message was that the school is safe as long as children are vaccinated.
Despite Licata’s reassurances, more than 20% of students were absent from school on Tuesday, with 219 out of 1,067 students staying home. Additionally, six staff members were also absent. Licata assured parents that the district is taking all necessary precautions to combat the virus, including thorough cleaning and changing air filters. He also highlighted that Manatee Bay has a vaccination rate of around 92%.
In Florida, two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are required for attending public schools. However, parents can seek religious or medical exemptions. The recent measles cases in South Florida come at a time when there is a global surge in measles cases due to declining vaccination rates.
Licata stated that it is too early to determine whether the school will be closed if the number of cases continues to rise. Dr. Ron Ford, the chief medical officer at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, explained that the Florida Department of Health is likely working to limit the spread of the disease and isolate infected patients who are likely unvaccinated.
Dr. Ford emphasized the importance of vaccines in preventing disease in children. He stated, “As a pediatrician, I’m always going to take the side that vaccines are important, that they prevent disease in children.”
As the situation unfolds, Broward County Public Schools is awaiting further guidance from the Florida Department of Health. They have committed to keeping the school and its families updated with the latest information.
The measles outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary School serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations. With measles cases on the rise globally, it is crucial for parents to ensure their children are up to date on their immunizations. The school and health officials are working diligently to contain the outbreak and protect the community from further spread of the highly contagious disease.
