Measles

Measles cases are on the rise again in Southwest Florida.

Cases of measles rose minimally across Florida in the first full week of March. The Reportable Diseases Frequency Report updated weekly by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology showed 132 cases of measles across the state, an increase of eight cases from the Feb. 28 report total.

With Florida’s measles outbreak making headlines, the Sunshine State is preparing to welcome millions of college students and families to its beaches, amusement parks and other hotspots for spring break throughout March and April. Doctors worry those visitors may return home with more than tans.

Another measles outbreak has occurred in the region, this time in Naples. Overall, in Florida, as of Feb. 21, there have been 114 cases of measles reported.

The Florida Department of Health dashboard reports 66 measles cases in Collier County and one in Lee County from the beginning of the year until Feb. 14, which is the latest data they are making public. Statewide that number for the same period is 92.

The measles outbreak in Collier County is still underway.

Ave Maria University reports that 49 of its students have been infected this year.

An outbreak of measles cases among students at Ave Maria University in Naples is apparently on the decline. The Mater Dei Clinic at the Collier County institution reported Friday that there had been no new testing in the last 72 hours. Additionally, the clinic reported that the last positive case reported had been on Monday, February 2.

The University of Florida said Thursday it was investigating two college classrooms where measles exposures may have occurred. Additionally, six other confirmed measles cases were reported across northern Florida in new data published by the Florida Department of Health.

Official state health department statistics confirmed, as of Jan. 31, there were 15 cases of measles statewide, with four in Collier and Duval counties, and one in Alachua, Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade and St. Johns counties.