More new cases of measles have been recorded in Collier County, the Florida Department of Health data recording site shows.

After several weeks of no new cases, Collier County has recorded three new cases of the disease since Aug. 15, two since Aug. 22. The new cases brings the state's total number of measles cases to 144.

Lee County's measles caseload has remained steady at three for weeks.

Although school vaccination requirements remain in place, public school kindergartners in Collier County have a vaccination rate of around 89%, which is below the rate of 95% needed to provide herd immunity against the highly contagious disease.

The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is safe and effective. The MMR vaccine is available at no cost to Collier County residents, at locations in Naples and Immokalee.

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