The measles outbreak has made its way to Central Florida, as Polk County has confirmed a ninth case of the virus. This latest case is travel-related and involves an adult between the ages of 20 and 24, marking the first time this year that an adult in Florida has been infected with measles.
Prior to this case, eight children and teenagers in Broward County had already been infected with measles, causing concern as the number of cases in the first two months of 2024 surpasses more than half of the total cases reported last year.
Measles is a highly contagious virus, with unvaccinated individuals having a 90% chance of becoming infected if exposed. The last measles outbreak in the U.S. in 2019 resulted in 10% of cases leading to hospitalizations.
Health officials recommend a 21-day quarantine for unvaccinated schoolchildren during an outbreak, but Florida’s Surgeon General has left the decision to parents. Parents of unvaccinated children are urged to be vigilant and seek medical attention if their child shows symptoms of measles.
It is important to note that Florida’s measles vaccination rates are below the recommended 95%, with only about 91% of kindergartners in the state having received the measles vaccine. Experts suggest that parents with questions about vaccinations should consult their doctor for information and guidance on the topic.
As the measles outbreak continues to spread in Central Florida, it is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from this potentially dangerous virus.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”