9 more measles cases confirmed at Ave Maria University; 20 now affected

An outbreak of measles has emerged at Ave Maria University's campus in Collier County.

As of Tuesday morning, the town's primary medical clinic, Mater Dei Clinic, reported 9 more confirmed cases, with more tests pending. 

The clinic confirmed that all cases are currently contained within the campus. The Florida Department of Health is collaborating with university officials to provide necessary resources.

Tuesday, the clinic confirmed 11 cases total in this outbreak, based off information they received from FDOH. As of Tuesday morning, the clinic reported 9 more cases at their medical office alone, making the total to 20.

The clinic has not received updated numbers from the FDOH, who haven't been confirmed of the overall numbers.

"It feels like we're back in 2020 with COVID," said Kennedy Kaplan, a sophomore at Ave Maria University, describing the atmosphere on campus during the outbreak.

Kaplan shared her experience of caring for her sick roommate, who was diagnosed with measles five days ago.

"My roommate is definitely struggling. She's been sick for about a week now," said Kaplan.

Kaplan mentioned her roommate experienced a high fever, rash, and cough. She added, "I'm vaccinated, so I've been trying to help out as much as I can."

Kaplan is currently staying with family off-campus due to the ongoing cases at the university.

The Florida Department of Health listed symptoms of measles, including fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and fatigue. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can remain active in the air for up to two hours.

Anthony Musingo, a physician's assistant at Mater Dei Clinic, which is near but unaffiliated with the school, said the outbreak "appears to be restricted to the university environment."

He explained, "Anytime there's close quarters is what's going to present the risk."

Musingo's team has been testing individuals for measles using nasal swabs, with results available the next day.

WINK News also spoke with pediatrician Dr. Brian Thornburg, who explained the contagious nature of the disease.

"If a person with measles walks into a room, 10 people are there, and they are susceptible to the measles, then nine out of the 10 will develop measles," said Thornburg.

Kaplan, who is vaccinated, believes she is avoiding the symptoms. However, Dr. Thornburg noted that the vaccine is not entirely foolproof.

"Even an individual who took the entire series of the two doses of MMR five up to 5% will not develop antibodies against the vaccine," said Thornburg. "And then those of us who are older, who took either one or two doses, our body will not continue to make the antibodies against the measles."

Josephine Miller and Cecilia Yallaly, students at Ave Maria University, described how the school is handling the outbreak.

"They say, if you have the measles or if you have poor immune system, you should stay in quarantine," said Miller. "And they have students to deliver meals to rooms, which we have seen personally."

Yallaly added, "There's a few people have definitely been isolating... They've been good; I talked to a couple of them. They just would stay in their rooms, doing classes online and everything."

Musingo emphasized the importance of isolation to minimize the spread of measles. He advised, "Definitely don't panic. You know for sure, keep yourself safe and try to avoid crowded environments until things die down."

The Florida Department of Health stated on their website that measles is contagious four days before and four days after a rash appears.

Kaplan encouraged, "Just stay positive and we'll get through this."

Herron reached out to the school for comment but has not received a response.

The Florida Department of Health advises anyone who suspects they have measles to contact their primary care provider or county health department for guidance before visiting a clinic.