New measles data reveals cases are up, but increase rate is down in Collier County

AVE MARIA, Fla. —

New Department of Health data shows 93 people in Collier County have had a probable or confirmed case of measles from Jan. 1 to Feb. 26, stemming from an outbreak at Ave Maria University. While the number is up from the week before, the rate of week-over-week increase is the lowest since the start of the outbreak.

The news comes amid spring break for the university. Benedict Harris, an Ave Maria sophomore, stayed on campus during the break. He said he was infected with measles at the beginning of the year.

"Then I actually ended up being among the first to get it," Harris said. "I mean, for me, it was pretty much like a cold. It didn't affect me that badly, just took longer to recover than a normal cold would."

From Feb. 19 to 26, Collier County reported 93 confirmed and probable measles cases, with 78 confirmed and 15 probable. Lee County has two confirmed cases. The rate of increase from Feb. 19 to Feb. 26 was 12%. The increase in cases from Feb. 12 to 19 was 26.5%.

"That's usually a promising sign," said Anthony Musingo, physician assistant at the Mater Dei Clinic. "The university students are on spring break this week, so it seems like cases there were already dwindling by the time they left for spring break. The hope is that their absence for a week will really dampen the spread."

Dr. Nicole Iovine, UF Health's chief hospital epidemiologist, said the impact of spring break could vary depending on students' destinations.

"If the students are leaving campus and they're going into environments where there is a higher rate of vaccinated people, then that's good," Iovine said. "But if they're going into areas, around other people who are not vaccinated, then know that you can certainly spread."

The university currently reports no nurse-assessed confirmed cases on campus. A spokesperson said they are working with the health department to keep students informed about case numbers. Officials advise those who suspect they have measles to stay home and contact the Department of Health rather than visiting a doctor immediately.

Here's the full statement from the university's website:

"Today, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) updated its website, reporting 93 confirmed and probable measles cases across all of Collier County from January 1 through February 28, 2026. For official Collier County case numbers, we will continue to reference the DOH website. There are currently zero nurse-assessed confirmed cases on campus.

"Our ongoing priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of every member of our campus community. We continue to provide comprehensive support through ongoing monitoring, free vaccination clinics offered by the DOH, established quarantine protocols, transparent communication with our students and families, and the spiritual care of our Campus Ministry priests.

"We are grateful for the fortitude of our students and the support of their families, the dedicated service of our campus faculty and staff, the guidance of the DOH, and the commitment of our healthcare partners. Most of all, we are grateful for the many prayers offered for our community. We ask for your continued prayers as we trust in God's providential care and move forward together in faith and charity."

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