NEWS: Measles Outbreak Hits Central Florida

We’ve got some urgent news if you’re heading to Disney World soon.

Advent Health ER at Flamingo Crossing

We’re constantly looking for any health hazards that may impact your trip to Florida, so we recently let you know about a measles outbreak in the state. This was originally in Broward County, but now the outbreak is spreading.

The measles outbreak has officially hit Central Florida, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The disease has infected a Polk County resident between 20 and 24. This is the first adult case of the highly contagious disease this year.

Advent Health ER at Flamingo Crossing

The case was reported to the Florida Department of Health, but it’s unclear when and how the person caught the virus. Although not many details were released, the Florida Department of Health referenced a “travel-related case in Central Florida” in an advisory to healthcare providers.

Advent Health Van

We previously reported that no fewer than six cases had hit Broward County, but as of Sunday, February 25th, that number is up to eight. These cases are all in younger children and teens.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo recently wrote a letter to parents and guardians about the outbreak and stated that it’s normally recommended for unvaccinated children, or children who have never been exposed to the virus, to stay at home for 21 days (the incubation period). The state health department is “deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance.”

Measles is a “highly contagious disease that can lead to complications and turn deadly.” Symptoms of this virus often include “fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash of red spots,” and can sometimes lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, or death, and can also weaken the immune system.

We’ll keep you updated on this outbreak.