An outbreak of measles has prompted an investigation by the Florida Department of Health, centered around Manatee Bay Elementary School located in Weston, South Florida.
The Broward County Health Department disclosed on Sunday that four cases have been confirmed at the educational institution. Initial reports emerged on Thursday with one case, and by Saturday, three additional cases were identified.
In response to the outbreak, the Broward County Public School District emphasized that the health, safety, and well-being of their students and staff are of paramount importance.
“In light of the three additional measles cases confirmed at Manatee Bay Elementary, we are in close collaboration with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County,” the district conveyed in a statement to the NewsNation affiliate WFLA.
The school’s administration is actively communicating with families and adhering to the health department’s recommendations to ensure the community’s safety.
The health officials highlighted that individuals who have completed the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination series have a 98% protection rate against measles and are highly unlikely to acquire the infection.
The contagious period for measles extends approximately eight days, encompassing four days before and after the emergence of the characteristic rash, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The measles virus is capable of surviving in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left an area.
The Broward Health Department is urging anyone who suspects they might have measles or recognizes symptoms to reach out to their healthcare provider immediately, prior to making an office visit.
This recent outbreak is noteworthy as the last measles case reported in Broward County was back in 2019, marking a significant health event for the region.