Florida health authorities slam ‘false information’ and media outlets ‘politicizing’ measles cases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health scathed media outlets for false reporting and “politicizing” on new measles cases in multiple schools across the state.

There have reportedly been at least 10 cases, and some have slammed the department and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo for urging parental discretion on determining whether to keep their child home in impacted areas.

A department spokesman noted to Florida’s Voice the following:

• At Manatee Bay Elementary, an originally impacted school, 97% of its students have at least one dose of the relevant vaccination – MMR, for measles, mumps and rubella
  • The department noted that the national rate is less than 92%
• Students were recommended to stay home for up to 21 days if they had no history of infection or vaccination – the length the virus can still transmit
• There have been no additional cases at Manatee Bay since Feb. 15, meaning the end of this period is March 7, subject to change
• Authorities have been working with Manatee Bay to inform parents of the risks and best options to take for their own child and family, whether the child is vaccinated or not
  • Continued distance learning can be utilized if parents elect to keep their child home until the likelihood of transmission falls

The department said it is taking the measles cases seriously and investigations into the matter are ongoing, despite the high rate of immunity.

A letter from Ladapo to local parents sparked media outrage due to his emphasis on parents making the choice best for their child and family.

“Due to the high immunity rate in the community, as well as the burden on families and educational cost of healthy children missing school, DOH is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance,” Ladapo wrote Feb. 20. “This recommendation may change as epidemiological investigations continue.”