First case of measles confirmed in Lee Health system amid Collier County outbreak

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Lee Health confirmed on Friday that one person in its care system tested positive for measles.

>>Video above: Archive footage from Feb. 19, 2026

Lee Health said that the individual came to the health system to be tested, and that the test results came back at the beginning of the week.

This comes after 61 confirmed and 5 probable cases were reported in Collier County on Thursday, centered around Ave Maria University.

Lee Health said that due to HIPAA regulations, it cannot clarify if the person was or is hospitalized, but said that anyone who tests positive will be given all of the information and recommendations from the CDC, which recommends that patients quarantine.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. It can be transmitted four days before the rash becomes visible to four days after the rash appears. The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately eight to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles, with a range of seven to 21 days.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Malaise

Typically followed in 3-5 days by:

• A rash that often starts on the face and neck, but can spread over the entire body.
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers are found inside the mouth.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.