Mass measles outbreak at Florida university as 57 students quarantined

Florida health officials are launching an aggressive vaccine campaign in a desperate bid to stop the spread of a measles outbreak at a Florida University

A massive measles outbreak has left almost 60 students at a Florida university quarantined.

Florida health officials are launching a vigorous vaccination campaign in a bid to stop the spread of measles in the community. According to the Department of Health’s latest update, there were 46 confirmed cases of measles across Collier County from January 1 to February 7.

Officials say that the majority of the student body at Ave Maria University is vaccinated, but that 57 students came down with the virus and are quarantining.

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County is mobilizing additional resources to monitor suspected measles cases and reduce further transmission.

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They are collaborating closely with Ave Maria University officials to offer support on campus, including both pre- and post-exposure options for students, CBS 12 reported.

The rollout of free vaccines has become a top priority, and some reports state that local fire departments are also assisting in the efforts.

The DOH said that on February 5, two measles cases were reported in Alachua County and the department was working with the University of Florida, conducting contact tracing in two university classrooms.

The University has commented on the measles outbreak, and said thankfully most of its students are either vaccinated or immune due to contracting it previously.

Those students are reported to be 98% protected, and are unlikely to contract measles. Therefore, the vast majority of the community is free to continue normal campus activities while health officials manage the outbreak.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. According to the DOH, the virus becomes contagious four days before a rash appears and four days after it begins.

As a precaution, all students who were assessed by nurses on campus during this contagious window are currently quarantined.

Some of the most commonly reported symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, and Conjunctivitis which causes the eyes to become red and watery. The rash is typically the main identifier for measles contraction.

Last year, the United States reported 2,280 measles cases – the largest number in three decades. This year, the CDC has already reported 910 cases, with more than 9 months to go in the year.

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