Measles Outbreak at Ave Maria University: Florida Cases Rise

A measles outbreak is impacting Ave Maria University in southwest Florida, with cases now totaling at least 57, according to recent reports. The situation highlights a concerning trend of rising measles cases across the United States, prompting health officials to urge vaccination and increased vigilance.

The outbreak at Ave Maria University began earlier this semester, and as of February 13, 2026, at least 50 students had progressed beyond the contagious period and developed natural immunity, the university stated in an online campus health update. However, at least seven more students have since contracted the virus, bringing the total to 57. The university is located in Collier County, where 46 confirmed measles cases had been reported between January 1, 2026 and February 7, 2026.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by a reddish, blotchy rash that typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms. Individuals are contagious four days before the rash appears and remain so for four days after, making rapid identification and quarantine crucial for controlling spread. All students assessed by the university’s nursing staff who are within this contagious period are currently in quarantine.

The outbreak at Ave Maria isn’t isolated. Nationwide, more than 1,000 confirmed measles cases have been reported in 2026, already half the total number recorded in all of 2025. This represents a significant increase from just three years prior, when only two cases were reported nationally. South Carolina is currently experiencing the largest outbreak, with over 900 cases reported since September.

The resurgence of measles raises concerns about the potential loss of measles-elimination status in the U.S., a status held for more than two decades. According to Ralph Abraham, principal deputy director at the CDC, this risk is driven by a combination of factors, including international travel and communities choosing not to vaccinate. “It’s just the cost of doing business with our borders being somewhat porous for global and international travel,” Abraham stated last month. “We have these communities that choose to be unvaccinated. That’s their personal freedom.”

While vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure, the outbreak at Ave Maria has affected both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. A sophomore student, who is unvaccinated, described initial symptoms as resembling a common cold, progressing to a rash, sore throat, and cough. However, a professor who *was* vaccinated also contracted the virus after contact with a severely ill student. Dr. Raul Enad, a physician treating patients near campus, noted that the vaccinated professor experienced a milder illness, highlighting the protective benefits of vaccination even in the face of exposure. “She would have been more sick if she had not been vaccinated,” Dr. Enad said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age. Dr. Marty Makary, FDA commissioner, emphasized the importance of this recommendation, stating, “I think it’s a good reminder that kids should get the measles shot.”

Ave Maria University is actively responding to the outbreak by providing ongoing monitoring, quarantine protocols, free vaccinations, and transparent communication to the campus community. The university’s ongoing priority, according to a statement on its website, remains the health, safety, and well-being of all members of the campus community.

The situation underscores the continued threat posed by measles, a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. Public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination as the primary means of preventing the spread of this preventable illness.