Florida's West Coast's Measles Outbreak Continues

With measles outbreaks accelerating in various states in March 2026, Florida's west coast continues as one of the unfortunate market leaders.

According to the Florida Department of Health's Reportable Diseases Frequency Report, the state has recorded 132 measles cases statewide so far in 2026, with Collier County accounting for the majority of infections.

Located southeast of Fort Myers and east of Naples, Ave Maria University's most recent health update as of March 16, 2026, notes that the Department of Health's website reported 93 confirmed and probable cases in Collier County through the end of February.

The university also states that there are currently zero nurse-assessed confirmed active cases on campus.

School officials emphasize that the vast majority of the Ave Maria community is vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

Additionally, one confirmed case has been reported at the nearby Donahue Academy, a K-12 private school adjacent to Ave Maria University, indicating some community spread beyond the campus.

Florida DOH-Collier continues to collaborate with Ave Maria University to provide on-campus resources, including pre- and post-exposure guidance and MMR vaccinations at its Naples and Immokalee sites. The department urges anyone who may have been exposed or who is unvaccinated and eligible to seek preventive options promptly. 

Florida residents with concerns about potential exposure or vaccination status are encouraged to contact DOH-Collier or visit their local health department for assistance.

Furthermore, Florida continues to report travel-related and locally acquired mosquito-transmitted cases of chikungunya, dengue, and malaria in 2025 and early 2026.