There have been 11 cases of measles in Florida so far this year, which is higher than what the state has been reporting each year for the past decade, according to the latest data from the state health department.
The state has had fewer than 10 cases of measles each year since 2010. Three cases were reported last year, five cases in 2016 and five cases in 2015. There were no cases in 2014.
“The threat of measles is higher this year due to increased measles activity across the globe and those individuals traveling to Florida,” said the health department communications team in an email to the Orlando Sentinel. “Each year we expected a small number of sporadic travel-associated measles cases to be reported among residents who are not vaccinated before travel.”
In May 2018, multiple measles outbreaks were reported in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 1 Travel Alert for several countries with measles outbreaks, including Brazil, Greece, England, Italy, Ukraine, the Philippines and France.
All 11 cases this year involve individuals who were not vaccinated, according to the state health department. Most of the cases so far have been identified in Pinellas County, where seven children have been diagnosed with the disease. The agency has identified nearly 1,500 people who may have been exposed to the virus. Three other measles cases were reported in Miami-Dade County and one in Duval County, according to the health department.
“The measles vaccine is the only way to prevent infection. All persons born after 1957 should receive the vaccine,” said the health department.
The measles MMR vaccine, which is a combination to avert measles, mumps and rubella, has two doses. The first dose is recommended for infants between 12 and 15 months old. The second dose is recommended for children between the ages of 4 and 6, before they enter school.
More than 120 measles cases have been reported nationwide, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s compared to 118 cases last year and 86 case the year before.
This year’s numbers are still far below the record 667 cases that were reported in 2014, the highest number documented since the elimination of measles in 2000.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of the infected person.
The illness usually begins with a high fever, coughing, runny nose and red, watery eyes. But the hallmark sign of the infection is a rash with tiny spots that appear in the mouth and face, then the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
There’s no treatment for measles other than the management of symptoms until the virus runs its course. Most patients recover, but the virus can lead to complications in some, including children younger than 5 and adults older than 20.
nmiller@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5158, @naseemmiller
