One of first measles cases at Ave Maria University speaks out after ER visit

AVE MARIA, Fla. —

Blaise Carney, one of the first Ave Maria University students who tested positive for measles despite being vaccinated as a child, is now urging others to get vaccinated after recovering from the illness.

"I didn't eat for a week, and I lost 10 pounds in a week, just because my throat was so sore," Carney said.

Carney said on Jan. 28, the university alerted students via email that measles had been detected on campus. Carney immediately reached out to the university, saying, "I emailed right away. It was a Wednesday, and I said, I have all of these symptoms."

Despite having received the measles vaccine as a child, Carney was one of the rare breakthrough cases.

"So they had to test me. They didn't know if I actually had it," he said.

His condition worsened, leading to a severe full-body rash and a visit to the emergency room. "My friend took me, thankfully, he was still up late," Carney said.

He received IV fluids and steroids before returning to his dorm to quarantine for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended 21 days.

Carney has since recovered and is cleared to return to class. He is uncertain where he contracted measles, but had traveled to Texas, Colorado and Michigan over Christmas break, returning to campus Jan. 11. Doctors emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine, noting that receiving it up to three days after exposure can prevent severe cases of measles.

A source revealed that measles caused another student's organs to fail, while another student suffered corneal ulcerations that could permanently damage their vision.

Carney is now on a mission to encourage others to get vaccinated, stating, "It might not protect you 100%, but it's your best shot."

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