Measles outbreak breakdown in Southwest Florida; Ave Maria sees 57 cases

AVE MARIA, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health (DOH) and Ave Maria University have reported differing numbers of measles cases amid an outbreak in Southwest Florida. Here is a breakdown of what the data is and where it comes from.

THE LATEST FROM AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY

Ave Maria University reported 57 cases of measles on their campus since the start of the semester, according to a health update on the school's website on Wednesday morning. 

Of those cases, the university reported a total of seven nurse-assessed students within the four-day contagious period since the onset of a rash. Those students are in quarantine. 

The other 50 students have progressed beyond the contagious period and have natural immunity.

Ave Maria University released a health update Thursday afternoon, where the school highlighted that it will now refer to the DOH's website for weekly updates on official case numbers. 

The school stated its focus remains on the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community. Efforts include ongoing monitoring, free vaccination clinics by the DOH, and established quarantine protocols. Transparent communication and spiritual care from Campus Ministry priests are also being provided to students and families.

THE LATEST FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH)

The Florida Department of Health's website 'Reportable Disease Frequency Report, ' reports data on disease counts across the state.

Its numbers are updated weekly, and as of Thursday, the department's latest available data shows case numbers up until February 7, 2026.

From the beginning of the year through February 7, DOH reported 44 confirmed and 2 probable cases of measles in Collier County. In that same time period, DOH reported one confirmed case of measles in Lee County. 

The department reports no cases of measles in other Southwest Florida counties at this time.

HOW OUR SWFL COMMUNITY IS REACTING

The measles outbreak has been a common topic of conversation for members of our Southwest Florida community, such as medical professionals and students at Ave Maria University.

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

Sam Ray, a junior at Ave Maria University, shared his observations.

"I've only heard of one person who's gotten it that I know, and in my classes, there's been a little bit less people, but I'm assuming, not because they have measles, but because they're just quarantining because of the advice," said Ray.

Ray mentioned that the campus is operating as usual, with most of the community vaccinated.

"I don't think people are too worried, at least not the college students," he said.

The Florida Department of Health's data indicated that most cases in Collier County are within the college student age group.

Regarding the age range of the cases, of the 44 confirmed measles cases in Collier County, FDOH reports:

• Ages 10-14: 1 confirmed measles case
• Ages 15-19: 23 confirmed measles cases
• Ages 20-24: 20 confirmed measles cases

"From my experience here, it sounds like the bulk of the cases are in that college-age range population, which makes sense to me. I would be concerned about the younger case. That suggests it may be out in other parts of the county," said Musingo.

Musingo emphasized concern for infants, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly.

Regarding where the cases were contracted, of the 44 confirmed measles cases in Collier County, DOH reports:

• Acquired in Florida: 18 cases 
• Acquired in the USA, outside of Florida: 3 cases 
• Acquisition Unknown: 23 cases

Students on campus mentioned that their peers who contracted the disease are improving. However, Musingo warned that the situation is not yet resolved.

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

Musingo advised not to panic and to contact a primary care doctor or one's county health department if measles is suspected.

For the latest updates on measles from FDOH, click here.

For the latest health updates from Ave Maria University, click here.