Florida is currently facing a significant rise in measles cases, sparking concerns for parents, students, and healthcare workers across the state. As of February 2026, health officials have identified several clusters of the virus, making Florida one of the top five states in the country for measles activity this year.

The Current Situation in Florida

The Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking multiple outbreaks. Unlike past years where cases were mostly linked to international travel, many of the current infections are spreading locally within communities.

Key Areas of Concern

Collier County: A significant outbreak has been reported at Ave Maria University, where at least 20 students have tested positive.
Duval County: Health officials in Jacksonville recently confirmed an outbreak involving five young children.
Alachua County: The University of Florida has alerted its community after two cases were confirmed and potential exposures occurred in specific classrooms.
Tampa Bay Area: Cases have been documented in Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

In total, Florida has confirmed over 21 cases in the first few weeks of 2026. While this may seem like a small number compared to other illnesses, measles is so contagious that even a single case is considered a public health emergency.

Why Measles is Spreading Now

Public health experts point to a few reasons for the sudden increase in cases:

Lower Vaccination Rates: For a community to be protected from measles, at least 95% of people need to be vaccinated. In some Florida counties, such as Sarasota, the rate among school children has dropped to around 80%.
Highly Contagious Nature: Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to man. If one person has it, up to 90% of the people around them who are not immune will also get sick.
Airborne Survival: The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Measles doesn’t just start with a rash. It usually begins like a common cold or the flu. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after a person is exposed to the virus.

The Progression of the Illness

The First Phase: It starts with a high fever (often over 101°F), a deep cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
The Mouth Spots: Two or three days after symptoms start, tiny white spots (called Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.
The Rash: Three to five days after the first symptoms, a red, blotchy rash breaks out. It usually starts at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, and feet.

Complications and Risks

Most people think of measles as a childhood rash, but it can be very dangerous. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles in the U.S. will end up in the hospital.

Possible complications include:

Ear Infections: Can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Pneumonia: The most common cause of death from measles in young children.
Encephalitis: Swelling of the brain that can lead to seizures or permanent disability.
Pregnancy Risks: Measles can cause premature birth or low birth weight in babies.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

The most effective way to prevent measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine.

For Children: The CDC recommends two doses. The first at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second at 4 through 6 years of age.
For Adults: If you were born after 1957 and haven’t been vaccinated or never had the measles, you should talk to your doctor about getting at least one dose.
For Travelers: If you are planning to travel internationally, ensure your vaccinations are up to date, as measles remains common in many parts of the world.

If you believe you or your child has been exposed to measles, call your doctor first. Do not walk into a clinic or emergency room without calling ahead. This allows the staff to take steps to prevent you from exposing other patients in the waiting room.