Florida health officials investigating measles outbreak at Broward school. Here’s why
Miami Herald | By Grethel Aguila | February 20, 2024
The Florida Department of Health confirmed a fifth case of measles reported at a Broward public school, according to a statement released by school district officials Monday afternoon.
“The District is maintaining close coordination with the Health Department to address this ongoing situation,” said John Sullivan, a Broward district spokesman.
“Over the weekend, the District took further preventive measures by conducting a deep cleaning of the school premises and replacing its air filters. The school’s principal is actively communicating with families, ensuring they are kept up to date with the latest information,” he added.
The health department first alerted of the measles outbreak in a release this weekend. On Saturday, Broward County Public Schools verified that there were at least four cases of measles at Manatee Bay Elementary School, a K-5 school located at 19200 Manatee Isles Drive in Weston.
Measles is a contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneeze, with symptoms similar to a cold.
The district didn’t say whether those infected were students, teachers or other staff at the school. The Sun Sentinel reported the school’s first case was a third-grader with no history of travel. Parents and teachers were first notified Friday.
“DOH-Broward is continuously working with all partners, including Broward County Public Schools and local hospitals, to identify contacts that are risk at of transmission,” the health department said in the release this weekend. “Health care providers in the area have been notified.”
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES?
Measles is highly contagious and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, according to the health department said.
It can have a more than 90% contraction rate among susceptible contacts. Those immunocompromised and unvaccinated are most at risk.
Measles, which appears as a rash and with a fever, can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms begin about eight to 14 days after exposure, the health department said. Transmission is even possible four days before the rash becomes visible.
Symptoms that may appear before the rash include:
- ▪ high fever
- ▪ cough
- ▪ runny nose
- ▪ red, watery eyes
- About one in five people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized, according to the CDC. One in 1,000 may develop brain swelling, which could lead to brain damage. And one in three people out of every 1,000 cases can die.
WHAT ABOUT THE VACCINE?
According to the department of health, anyone who received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is “highly unlikely” to contract the sickness.
The vaccine is the best protection against the sickness. The health department says it’s more than 98% effective in preventing infection.
Vaccination rates for measles nationwide are declining, according to a CBS News report. Florida reports a 91.7% rate of vaccinations against measles.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF SICK?
If you suspect you or your children may be infected, you should immediately contact your health care provider. They will prepare you to seek medical attention safely without exposing anyone else to the sickness.
The health department also warned residents against visiting a health care provider without contacting them ahead of time.
Miami Herald staff writers Howard Cohen and Devoun Cetoute contributed to this report
This story was originally published February 18, 2024, 4:57 PM.
