Measles Outbreak in Florida: Seventh Case Confirmed at Weston Elementary School
Florida is currently experiencing a concerning increase in measles cases, with a seventh case recently confirmed at a Weston elementary school. Additionally, the state has reported another child under the age of 5 who has been diagnosed with the disease in Broward County. The situation has raised alarm among health officials and parents alike, as the number of cases continues to rise.
The Broward County Public Schools Superintendent, Peter Licata, made the announcement regarding the seventh measles case at Manatee Bay Elementary School. This K-5 school, located at 19200 Manatee Isles Dr. in Weston, has been directly impacted by the outbreak. Licata stated that the infected individual has not been on campus since February 15th, meaning that the infectious period remains unchanged until March 7th.
As of Tuesday morning, Florida has a total of 10 confirmed cases of measles, with nine of them being in Broward County. This data comes from Florida’s web-based reportable disease surveillance system. Out of the Broward cases, seven are students who attend Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston. The other two cases involve children aged 0-4 years old. It is worth noting that in Florida, children must be at least 5 years old to attend kindergarten.
Licata reassured the public that no additional cases have been confirmed within the Broward school district. However, concerns have been raised regarding whether the infected children under the age of 5 attend daycare or pre-k. The Florida Department of Health has been contacted for further information on this matter.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated objects. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that while those who are vaccinated are unlikely to get infected, up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals will contract measles if exposed to the disease.
To combat the spread of measles, the CDC recommends the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine). The effectiveness of the vaccine ranges from 93% to 97%, depending on whether one or two shots are administered. Children should receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age, with the second dose given between 4 and 6 years of age.
As of now, Florida’s measles cases can be broken down as follows: there are 10 confirmed cases in total, with nine in Broward County and one in Polk County, located in Central Florida. It is important to note that the classification of cases is based on the county where the person lives and does not necessarily indicate where they contracted the disease. In Broward County, all confirmed cases involve children, while the Polk County case is an adult aged 20-24. The state health officials are still investigating whether the adult in Polk County acquired the disease in Florida or elsewhere.
Within Broward County, there are nine confirmed measles cases, with seven of them linked to the outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston. All reported cases in Broward County involve children, with a breakdown of ages as follows: two newborn to 4 years old, four aged 5 to 9, and three aged 10 to 14.
The increasing number of measles cases in Florida is a cause for concern, particularly within Broward County. Health officials are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. It is crucial for parents to ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations, as this is one of the most effective ways to protect against measles. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can work together to safeguard our communities from this highly contagious disease.
