
Measles Cases Linked to Florida Visits Raise Concerns about Contagious Virus Spread
Measles cases linked to Florida visits fuel a surge, with more 2024 cases than in 2023.

Health investigators have concluded that measles cases in at least three states this year are connected to visits to Florida. The highly contagious virus has fueled an increase in infections.
Interstate Connections
Florida's health department believes that families from Indiana and Louisiana, who had measles cases earlier this year, may have crossed paths in the state. Messages exchanged between local investigators and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through late February suggest a possible connection.
Ohio Case
An epidemiologist for the Florida Department of Health mentioned an Ohio case linked to a visit to Florida. Megan Gumke's email expressed curiosity about a potential connection between the Ohio case and one in the region.
Uptick in Measles Cases
The U.S. has seen more measles cases in the first three months of 2024 than in the entire year of 2023. Cases have been reported in several states, including Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, and New York City.
International Travel
Health officials are urging unvaccinated Americans to get vaccinated before international travel to protect against measles. The CDC advises unvaccinated travelers to seek out a shot as early as six weeks before their trip abroad, for any traveler who is at least six months old.
Vaccination Recommendations
There is no specific vaccination guidance for travelers within the U.S. to states with outbreaks. The CDC continues to recommend vaccination against measles for everyone starting at 12 months old. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is considered safe and effective.
Elimination Status
The U.S. declared the measles virus eliminated in 2000. However, growing outbreaks abroad and gaps in immunity within the U.S. have left some communities vulnerable to measles spread.
Local Outbreak Details
The initial case behind the outbreak of measles at an elementary school in Florida's Broward County was a child who had not been vaccinated due to a religious exemption. This was followed by other suspected measles cases in unvaccinated students at the same school. Ultimately, nine cases were reported in Florida's Broward County before officials declared the outbreak over.
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