The seventh case of measles linked to an outbreak at a Florida elementary school was confirmed by Health officials Tuesday.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) said it was informed by the Florida Department of Health – Broward of the additional case at Mantatee Bay Elementary in Weston, which is 20 miles west of Fort Lauderdale.
The infected patient has not physically been on campus since Feb. 15, and the district and school are continuing to work with the health department regarding the confirmed cases, according to a statement from the school district.
Dr. Peter Licata, superintendent for BCPS, said in an update on Tuesday that no other schools in the district have been impacted by measles cases.
“We are continuing to do daily cleaning on school busses and the facility above and beyond our normal cleaning,” he said. “We do have additional vaccination opportunities, which are available online, and we want to thank the administration and the teachers and all the staff at Manatee Bay for their continued dedication to the school whereas we had, as of this morning, only 82 students absent. Form a week ago, we were up to 220, I believe, 219.”
An exterior view of Manatee Bay Elementary School on Feb. 19, 2024, in Weston, Fla. The Florida Department of Health is investigating a measles outbreak at the school.
Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The initial case was confirmed earlier this month in a third-grade student with no travel history. However, it is unclear which grades the other infected students are in as well as other identifying information about them, including age, sex and race/ethnicity.
BCPS did not immediately reply to ABC News’ request for comment.
Currently, Florida has a total of 10 confirmed measles cases with nine confirmed in Broward County and one confirmed in Polk County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
This year, there have been at least 35 measles cases reported in 15 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning the disease “is no longer constantly present in this country.” The dip in routine childhood vaccinations in recent years — as well as travelers bringing measles into the country — has resulted in outbreaks.
The first measles vaccine, a single-dose vaccine, was introduced in the U.S. in 1963. In the decade prior, there were three to four million cases annually, which led to 48,000 hospitalizations and 400 to 500 deaths.
The current two-dose measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine recommended by the CDC is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses.
ABC News’ Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report.
The state of Florida is currently facing a concerning situation as an elementary school outbreak of measles has been confirmed. The latest case marks the seventh individual to be diagnosed with the highly contagious virus, sparking fears of further spread within the community.
Measles is a preventable disease that can have serious consequences, especially for young children who have not been vaccinated. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash that spreads all over the body. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis can occur, leading to hospitalization and even death.
The outbreak in the elementary school has raised questions about vaccination rates in the community. According to health officials, the majority of the cases were in individuals who were not vaccinated against measles. This highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting vulnerable populations.
In response to the outbreak, health authorities have been working to contain the spread of the virus by identifying and isolating individuals who may have been exposed to the infected individuals. They have also been urging parents to ensure that their children are up to date on their vaccinations to prevent further cases of measles.
The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in maintaining public health. Vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing a wide range of diseases, including measles. By ensuring that children are vaccinated according to recommended schedules, parents can protect not only their own children but also the community at large.
As the situation in Florida continues to develop, it is crucial for parents to stay informed about the outbreak and take necessary precautions to protect their families. Health authorities are working diligently to contain the spread of measles, but it will require cooperation from the community to prevent further cases from occurring.
In conclusion, the recent outbreak of measles in a Florida elementary school is a concerning development that highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. By staying informed and following recommended vaccination schedules, parents can help protect their children and the community from potentially serious illnesses like measles.
