Florida Measles Outbreak Among Highly Vaccinated Population

An unexpected measles outbreak at Ave Maria University in Collier County, Florida, has intensified, with at least 20 students now confirmed to have contracted the highly contagious viral infection.

As of February 6, 2026, three of these Florida students have been hospitalized due to complications from the illness.

Located northeast of Naples, the school officials stated on their website that they continue to provide care for all students, regardless of test results, and are closely monitoring the situation. In addition to the Padre Pio Campus Health Clinic, a second on-campus clinic has been established to support routine student care.

This outbreak represents the first significant measles activity in Collier County in nearly a decade, as there have been no reported cases during that time.

Alarmingly, university officials have noted that approximately 98% of the student population is vaccinated against measles, which exceeds the U.S. CDC recommendations.

The CDC reports data from 2025-2026, indicating that about 3% to 4% of total reported breakthrough measles cases in the U.S. occurred among people who had received 2 doses.

According to the Florida Department of Health (DOH), there were around 10 confirmed measles cases in southeast Florida (Broward County) in early 2024.

As of early February, the Florida DOH in Collier County is providing additional resources to monitor for suspected measles cases and to minimize further transmission.

Unfortunately, in a potentially related matter, further north in Florida, the administration of St. Petersburg Catholic High School confirmed on Friday, February 4, 2026, that a student has a confirmed case of measles.

The DOH says measles vaccination services are offered at public and commercial locations throughout Florida.