Ave Maria University battles measles outbreak; 57 cases confirmed

AVE MARIA, Fla. - Ave Maria University has reported 57 confirmed cases of measles since the semester began, drawing attention to an outbreak in the area.

The Florida Department of Health released updated measles case numbers across Southwest Florida, showing 44 confirmed cases in Collier County and one in Lee County from the start of the year to Saturday.

"We're looking at two different time frames here," said Herron.

"The university's numbers only confirm cases here on-campus. Their stats are updated as of yesterday morning."

She explained that the health department updates its numbers weekly by county, with the count standing at 44 cases in Collier County as of Saturday.

"What is interesting about the numbers FDOH released today is that their data gives us more information about each case," Herron said.

Of the 44 confirmed measles cases in Collier County, 18 were acquired in Florida, three were acquired out-of-state but still in the U.S., and it is unknown where the other 23 cases were contracted.

Local physicians caution that the community is still at risk.

Anthony Musingo, a physician assistant at Mater Dei Clinic in Ave Maria, said, "Measles, again, like many viruses, tend to occur in waves."

"All you can do is watch the numbers and try to proactively get ahead of the virus in the ways that you can," he said. "You don't know where the peak of the illnesses is until you're through it and can look back at it."

As of Wednesday morning morning, Ave Maria University reported that only seven students are still in quarantine out of the 57 cases.