Florida health officials investigate measles outbreak at school

(NewsNation) — The Florida Department of Health is investigating a measles outbreak at a South Florida elementary school.

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County announced Sunday it is investigating four cases confirmed at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, according to CBS News. The first case was reported Thursday and three others were confirmed Saturday.

“The health, safety and welfare of our students and staff remain our utmost priority,” the Broward County Public School District said in a statement to NewsNation affiliate WFLA. “The district continues to work closely with the Florida Department of Health-Broward following three additional confirmed measles cases at Manatee Bay Elementary School. The school’s principal is keeping families informed and following health department guidelines to safeguard our community.”

The Broward health department said those who have received the full series of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization are 98% protected and are highly unlikely to contract the disease.

People can remain contagious for about eight days — four days before the disease’s signature rash appears and four days after, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus can also survive up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves the area.

The Broward health department advises people who suspect or notice measles symptoms to contact their health care provider for instructions before visiting their offices.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the last reported case of measles in Broward County was in 2019, with just one case reported.