FAU Public Health 

Trending with the CDC

Measles Information and Resources (03/05/2024)

If you think you have signs and symptoms of measles or believe you have been in contact with someone measles, contact the Florida Department of Health at 850-245-4461. 

What is Measles?

Measles is an upper respiratory disease caused by the measles virus.  It is one of the most, if not the most contagious virus of humans.  It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.  Infected persons can spread the virus to others from four days before up through four days after a rash appears on the body.  The measles virus is spread from person to person by breathing contaminated air or touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves the area.  

Current Measles Cases in Florida:

There are currently several outbreaks of measles within the United States, including Florida.  The cases in Florida began with an 3rd grade student in Broward County, who had no history of travel.  This implies that the case was locally acquired.  Other cases in the same school have since occurred.  As of Sunday, March 3rd, Florida has reported at least 14 cases of measles.  It is unknown at this point if all cases are linked and how many are associated with travel.  

Measles Risk, Symptoms and Progression:

Measles was declared eliminated in the USA in the year 2000.  Most cases within the USA since then have been associated with people acquiring the disease as a result of travel outside the USA.  While the risk of contracting measles remains low, people should be vigilant about recognizing signs and symptoms of the disease, which include:  high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes.  Additionally, the measles rash will appear 3-5 days after first symptoms.  The rash usually begins as flat red spots on the face and hairline that progressively spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet.  

Prognosis for Measles:

While measles usually resolves on its own in 14-21 days, complications from the infection can occur.  These complications are most likely to appear in children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age.  Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea.  Severe complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis.  Additionally, a progressive, fatal neurological disease that affects the central nervous system, called Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), is associated with children that have a history of measles infection at an early age.  

How to Prevent Measles:

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated.  The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases:  measles; mumps and rubella. It is usually given as two doses, the first given at 12-15 months of age and the second given at 4-6 years of age.  The vaccine is safe and effective with two doses being 97% effective at preventing measles and prevents measles complications.  If you were not vaccinated as a child, CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible.   

For more information on Measles:

https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html 

 

SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Updates

Status:  COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities and is expected to continue with variability in case rates and transmission levels.  As of March 1, 2024, the CDC has relaxed the guidelines on COVID-19.  Find the lates information on COVID-19 here


Public Health Resources

FAU Resources

External Resources

Infectious Diseases

FAU Tobacco-Free Campus

Pandemic Influenza Information