Collier County sees measles spike; Ave Maria students adjust campus life

AVE MARIA, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health updated its weekly report on Thursday, revealing an increase in confirmed measles cases in Southwest Florida.

Collier County now reports 61 confirmed cases, up from 46 the previous week, along with five probable cases. Meanwhile, Lee County has one confirmed case.

Students at Ave Maria University, where the outbreak started, continue their daily routines. Ephreo Mosher, a sophomore at the university, said, "I feel like we’re fine. You know, we’re doing pretty good."

Adjustments have been made on campus to accommodate the situation. 

"They changed the location where mass is, so that way it's a bigger room, and so it's more spread out, and so people could have more bit more room," said Mosher. "It's a bit better, actually, because most people are inside and have seating that was just farther."

The latest data from January 1, 2026, through February 14, 2026, shows that most confirmed cases in Collier County are among teenagers and young adults, particularly those aged 15 to 19, followed by those aged 20 to 24. The report indicates that some cases were acquired in Florida, some outside the state, and others are of unknown origin.

Anthony Musingo, a physician assistant at the Primary Care Clinic in Ave Maria, explained the details about immunity.

"If you were vaccinated in 1968 or later, you’re presumed immune. There can be waning immunity or non-responders to the vaccine in up to two to three percent of the population," said Musingo. "Vaccine use between 1957 and 1968 was a killed virus vaccine that was more at risk for waning immunity, so people vaccinated in that timeframe may want to check titers or consider a booster. If you were born before 1957, you’re presumed immune to measles."

Musingo advised those with questions to speak with their primary care providers.

"Have a conversation with your primary care provider," said Musingo. "The safety of the vaccine is well tested. People are vaccine-hesitant for a number of reasons, and those are good conversations to have with your doctor."