At least 20 measles cases confirmed at Ave Maria University

AVE MARIA, Fla. —

There are now at least 20 confirmed measles cases in Collier County linked to Ave Maria University, health officials say.

These cases mark the first reported cases in Collier County in about 10 years.

According to the Mater Dei clinic, 20 students have tested positive as of Wednesday.

The measles outbreak at Ave Maria University includes two overlapping tallies that officials are still sorting out. The clinic reported 11 cases on Monday, then one more on Tuesday through lab testing.

We do know the minimum number of confirmed cases is at least 20.

The Mater Dei clinic in Ave Maria is offering measles testing as well as the Florida Department of Health. The testing is free with insurance and involves a nasal swab with results typically available within 24 hours.

A student shared an email from the university stating nurses, doctors and contact tracing team from the Florida Department of Health came to the campus. In the email, officials asked students without immunity to isolate in their dorm rooms for 21 days after exposure.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air, often when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The Mater Dei clinic tells Gulf Coast News it expects the health department to have updated number of cases on Thursday.

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