The first confirmed case of measles has arrived in Polk County, Florida, adding to the growing outbreak in South Florida where eight elementary students have already contracted the virus. The infected resident in Polk County is a young adult aged between 20 to 24 years old, making it the first case of measles in an adult in Florida this year.
Florida currently leads the nation with the highest number of confirmed measles cases, with a total of nine cases reported so far in 2022. The outbreak has been particularly rampant at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Broward County, where eight cases have been confirmed among younger children and teenagers.
Despite the concerning rise in measles cases, Florida’s general surgeon has refused to enforce a ban on unvaccinated students from attending school. Typically, during a measles outbreak, it is recommended that unvaccinated students who have not previously had the disease stay home for three weeks to prevent further spread due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.
Measles is primarily spread through the air when infected individuals breathe, cough, or sneeze, and the virus can linger in the environment for up to two hours, potentially infecting others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that vaccinated individuals are at a lower risk of contracting measles, and if they do become infected, their symptoms are usually milder and they are less likely to spread the virus to others.
As the outbreak continues to unfold, health officials urge the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of measles and protect the community from further outbreaks. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and those around you.
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