There are now at least 20 confirmed measles cases in Collier County linked to Ave Maria University, health officials say.These cases mark the first reported cases in Collier County in about 10 years. According to the Mater Dei clinic, 20 students have tested positive as of Wednesday.The measles outbreak at Ave Maria University includes two overlapping tallies that officials are still sorting out. The clinic reported 11 cases on Monday, then one more on Tuesday through lab testing. We do know the minimum number of confirmed cases is at least 20.The Mater Dei clinic in Ave Maria is offering measles testing, as well as the Florida Department of Health. The testing is free with insurance and involves a nasal swab with results typically available within 24 hours.A student shared an email from the university stating nurses, doctors and contact tracing team from the Florida Department of Health came to the campus. In the email, officials asked students without immunity to isolate in their dorm rooms for 21 days after exposure.Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air, often when an infected person coughs or sneezes.Department of Health officials are set to release updated case numbers from Collier County medical facilities Thursday.Dr. Jaime Khemraj, chief medical officer at Healthcare Network, is treating and vaccinating patients at Ave Maria during the outbreak. She said, “There’s always a chance that a virus can multiply. Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses.” Dr. Khemraj emphasized that measles is preventable with two MMR shots received during childhood, which provide immunity, but those who did not get vaccinated remain vulnerable. Dr. Khemraj recalled a smaller outbreak in New York, saying, “We had a small outbreak in New York, in the Bronx, but not to this extent. I think the reason is because we now have areas and pockets in our communities that have folks that are choosing not to vaccinate.” She explained that measles starts with symptoms similar to a cold or flu, followed by a rash that spreads from the hairline down the body, including spots in the mouth. Dr. Khemraj said the fever associated with measles can lead to dehydration, hospitalization, pneumonia, brain infection, seizures, and even death. “Even if your measles wasn’t dramatic enough years down the road, you can have brain damage from it,” she said.The outbreak is potentially not limited to Ave Maria University, as students frequently travel to Fort Myers and Port Charlotte, increasing the risk of spread. Healthcare Network and the Department of Health are offering free MMR vaccines at their offices. Dr. Khemraj advised, “If you’ve been around someone with measles, get vaccinated immediately. It can help prevent getting infected.”DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
AVE MARIA, Fla. —
There are now at least 20 confirmed measles cases in Collier County linked to Ave Maria University, health officials say.
These cases mark the first reported cases in Collier County in about 10 years.
According to the Mater Dei clinic, 20 students have tested positive as of Wednesday.
The measles outbreak at Ave Maria University includes two overlapping tallies that officials are still sorting out. The clinic reported 11 cases on Monday, then one more on Tuesday through lab testing.
We do know the minimum number of confirmed cases is at least 20.
The Mater Dei clinic in Ave Maria is offering measles testing, as well as the Florida Department of Health. The testing is free with insurance and involves a nasal swab with results typically available within 24 hours.
A student shared an email from the university stating nurses, doctors and contact tracing team from the Florida Department of Health came to the campus. In the email, officials asked students without immunity to isolate in their dorm rooms for 21 days after exposure.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air, often when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Department of Health officials are set to release updated case numbers from Collier County medical facilities Thursday.
Dr. Jaime Khemraj, chief medical officer at Healthcare Network, is treating and vaccinating patients at Ave Maria during the outbreak. She said, “There’s always a chance that a virus can multiply. Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses.”
Dr. Khemraj emphasized that measles is preventable with two MMR shots received during childhood, which provide immunity, but those who did not get vaccinated remain vulnerable.
Dr. Khemraj recalled a smaller outbreak in New York, saying, “We had a small outbreak in New York, in the Bronx, but not to this extent. I think the reason is because we now have areas and pockets in our communities that have folks that are choosing not to vaccinate.” She explained that measles starts with symptoms similar to a cold or flu, followed by a rash that spreads from the hairline down the body, including spots in the mouth.
Dr. Khemraj said the fever associated with measles can lead to dehydration, hospitalization, pneumonia, brain infection, seizures, and even death. “Even if your measles wasn’t dramatic enough years down the road, you can have brain damage from it,” she said.
The outbreak is potentially not limited to Ave Maria University, as students frequently travel to Fort Myers and Port Charlotte, increasing the risk of spread.
Healthcare Network and the Department of Health are offering free MMR vaccines at their offices.
Dr. Khemraj advised, “If you’ve been around someone with measles, get vaccinated immediately. It can help prevent getting infected.”
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.