Florida's Measles Outbreak Expands into Polk County

In 2024, an unusual number of measles outbreaks have already been confirmed in the United States. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 35 measles cases recently. Recent measles cases have been reported in Indiana and New Orleans.

In 2024, there has been an alarming increase in the number of measles cases in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently reported 35 confirmed measles cases.

And in Florida, a media statement issued by the Florida Department of Health on February 23, 2024, confirmed six measles cases in Broward County and a travel-related case in Central Florida (Polk County).

This area of Florida is home to about 2 million people and is adjacent to various entertainment parks and convention centers.

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County confirmed on February 20, 2024, that students at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston were infected, and about 200 classmates did not attend class last week.

Suspected measles cases are required to be reported immediately to county health departments or the Department's Bureau of Epidemiology to ensure prompt response and public health efforts. If a measles infection is suspected, please call your local county health department or the Department's Bureau of Epidemiology at 850-245-4401.

These cases relate to the global measles outbreak, generally impacting unvaccinated children and international travelers.

Last year, the CDC published a global Watch-Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions, Travel Health Notice identifying measles outbreaks in 47 countries.

In 2023, over 500,000 suspected measles cases were reported in 169 destinations.