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

“The health, safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority,” Broward County Public Schools said in a statement to NewsNation affiliate WFLA. “Following the confirmation of three additional measles cases at Manatee Bay Elementary School, the school district continues to work closely with the Florida Department of Health Broward. School principals are providing information to families and protecting the community. We are following health department guidelines.”

The Broward Health Department said people who are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) are 98% protected and are very unlikely to become infected.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person can remain infectious for about eight days, four days before and four days after the disease's characteristic rash appears. The virus can survive in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

The Broward Health Department advises anyone who suspects they have measles or notices measles symptoms to contact their health care provider for instructions before visiting a clinic.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the last time a measles case was reported in Broward County was in 2019, when only one case was reported.