MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. – There have now been 11 cases of measles reported in Florida since the beginning of the year with the latest popping up in Martin County.
The majority of measles cases, 9, have been concentrated in Broward County with another in Polk County — all of which were reported in February.
Measles cases in at least three other states — Louisiana, Indiana and Ohio — have also been linked to people traveling to Florida, according to reports by CBS News.
Prior to 2024, Florida has not had a case of measles since 2020.
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The health department says medical workers are required to report any suspected measles cases immediately to the county health departments.
Measles is very contagious and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. The measles rash appears three to five days after the initial infection, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Complications from measles can include pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhea and death.
For those who have a full vaccine course for MMR, the chance of getting measles is very low. The MMR vaccine is 98% effective, according to the state.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required for students to attend public schools in Florida, but parents can get exemptions for religious or medical reasons.
If you need a measles vaccination, you can get it at a pharmacy, visit your county health department, or check with your doctor.
The U.S. recently marked an unwanted milestone in this year’s measles surge, with more cases in the first three months of 2024 than in all of 2023.
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