Health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak of at least 20 cases at Florida’s Ave Maria University, 85 miles northwest of Miami.
The first cases were confirmed on Thursday, the college said, adding that most of its students and staff are unlikely to get measles due to previous measles infections or because they were immunized by the full dosage of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The Mater Dei Clinic, also located in the town of Ave Maria, told the Naples Daily News that as of Wednesday, measles were contained beyond the 20. The clinic also said it had 14 more measles tests with pending results.
“We are not out of the woods yet. Ultimately the more days we go without anyone in the community becoming ill, the better position we are in,” Mater Dei physician assistant Anthony Musingo told the newspaper.
At least four patients have been hospitalized, according to Fort Myers’ WBBH-TV.
“I was up early yesterday morning, and I saw an ambulance taking students. I think it’s mainly dehydration. … I’ve also seen a lot of nurses and doctors from the Department of Health helping out,” freshman Avery Lough told the TV station.
The Florida Department of Health said its affiliate in Collier County would be working with the school and in the surrounding area to provide treatment.
The MMR vaccine can protect someone if administered within 72 hours of exposure, while immune globulin treatment, intended primarily for pregnant women, babies younger than a year old and the immunodeficient, can protect against measles if administered within six days of exposure.
Overall, a single dose of the MMR vaccine has a 93% efficacy rate against measles, while the full two doses have a 97% efficacy rate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
