Health officials investigate measles outbreak tied to Florida school
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
2:57 PM – Tuesday, February 20, 2024
The Florida Department of Health Investigates Measles Outbreak at South Florida Elementary School
The Florida Department of Health is currently examining a measles outbreak that is believed to be linked to a South Florida elementary school.
On Sunday, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Broward County revealed that they are currently investigating four confirmed cases of measles at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida, which is located 20 miles west of Fort Lauderdale.
The first case of measles at the school was announced on Thursday, and three additional cases were reported on Saturday.
The initial patient was a third-grade elementary school student who had not traveled recently, according to the Florida DOH. The grade, age, sex, and ethnicity of the other affected students have not been disclosed.
“The health, safety and welfare of our students and staff remain our utmost priority,” the Broward County Public School District said in a statement to a NewsNation affiliate. “The district continues to work closely with the Florida Department of Health-Broward following three additional confirmed measles cases at Manatee Bay Elementary School. The school’s principal is keeping families informed and following health department guidelines to safeguard our community.”
“The District is maintaining close coordination with the Health Department to address this ongoing situation,” John Sullivan, chief communications and legislative affairs officer for Broward County Public Schools, said in a statement. “Over the weekend, the District took further preventive measures by conducting a deep cleaning of the school premises and replacing its air filters.”
In addition, Sullivan stated that the school’s principal is actively communicating with families to provide them with the latest information.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, appearing seven to fourteen days after contracting the virus. A rash typically follows the onset of symptoms, appearing three to five days later. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rash often starts as flat red spots and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
In 2000, measles was declared eradicated in the United States, meaning it was no longer present in the country.
Some pro-vaccine social media users are expressing outrage and blaming parents who have chosen not to vaccinate their children. Others are attributing the recent influx of foreigners seeking asylum as a potential cause, suggesting that they may have reintroduced the airborne viral infection into the general population.
It is currently unknown whether the affected students had received their measles vaccinations or not.
Nevertheless, “Florida law requires that all children receive vaccines protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and other diseases for child care center or school attendance,” according to flshotsusers.com. Since the learning facility was a public elementary school, it is assumed that the children had received their shots.
The CDC recommends a two-dose course of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses. According to the Broward Health Department, those who have completed the full course of MMR vaccinations are 98% protected and highly unlikely to contract the illness. The CDC also states that an infected person can spread the disease for up to eight days: four days before the appearance of the classic rash and four days after. If an infected individual leaves the area, the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours.
Dr. Brownstein, a health expert, warns that the number of measles cases could potentially increase as the disease spreads rapidly among non-immune individuals.
“An outbreak like this is very concerning because measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious health complications, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals,” Brownstein said. “It indicates potential gaps in herd immunity, which are vital to preventing the spread of such diseases.”
The Broward Health Department advises anyone who suspects or observes measles symptoms to call their healthcare practitioner before visiting their offices for further instructions.
In 2019, there was only one reported case of measles in Broward County, according to the Florida DOH.
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How does vaccination and herd immunity play a role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like measles
Can allow the virus to spread more easily. It is crucial for everyone who is eligible to receive the MMR vaccine to do so, as it provides significant protection against measles and helps prevent outbreaks like this.”
The Florida Department of Health is urging anyone who may have been exposed to measles at Manatee Bay Elementary School to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. They have also advised individuals who suspect they may have measles to call their healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility, in order to prevent further transmission.
Measles outbreaks are a growing concern across the United States, with several states experiencing an increase in cases in recent years. According to the CDC, there were over 1,200 cases of measles reported in the U.S. in 2019, the highest number since the virus was declared eliminated in 2000. This serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and herd immunity in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
As the investigation continues, the Florida Department of Health will work closely with the school district to ensure appropriate measures are taken to contain the outbreak and protect the health of the students and staff. They will also continue to provide updates and guidance to the community as new information becomes available.
It is crucial for parents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their children and others from measles. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease and ensure the health and safety of the community as a whole.
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