Measles outbreak reaches Polk County in South Florida
The measles outbreak in Florida has taken a concerning turn with the first confirmed case reported in Polk County. The infected resident, aged between 20 to 24 years old, contracted the highly contagious virus between Feb. 19 and Sunday.
The Florida Department of Health issued a warning to healthcare providers about a “travel-related case in Central Florida,” indicating a potential for further spread of the disease. With nine confirmed cases in the state this year, Florida currently has the highest number of measles cases in the country.
Measles have been spreading rapidly throughout Manatee Bay Elementary School in Broward County, with eight confirmed cases reported so far. Despite the outbreak, a general surgeon has refused to bar unvaccinated students from school, causing concerns about the spread of the virus.
While measles outbreaks are rare in the US, reported cases have spiked this year, leading to health authorities recommending unvaccinated students to stay home for three weeks if their school has a measles outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccinated individuals are less likely to catch measles and have less severe symptoms if infected.
As the outbreak continues to spread, health officials are urging the public to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations to prevent further cases. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent the spread of the disease.
