No new measles cases, Florida points to response focusing on parental rights and personal choice
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Heath issued an encouraging update Friday regarding the measles outbreak in Florida, particularly at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, where no new cases have been reported since its inception.
“Once again, Florida has shown that good public health policy includes personal responsibility and parents’ rights,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a release. “While the national medical health establishment and media have lost the public’s confidence, Florida continues to restore sanity and reason to public health, and will always do so under my leadership.”
On Feb. 18, a multi-case outbreak of measles at Manatee Bay Elementary School was reported by the Broward County Department Of Health. Initial cases of the disease at the school began on Feb. 15.
Days later, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo issued a letter to parents of students at Manatee Bay Elementary School addressing the concern.
“Because of the high likelihood of infection, it is normally recommended that children stay home until the end of the infectious period, which is currently March 7, 2024,” Ladapo said.
“As the epidemiological investigation continues, this date could change. However, 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,” he said.
According to the department, measles is “highly contagious” and can remain transmittable in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. It also noted the disease has over a 90% contraction rate among susceptible contacts.
Measles is commonly noticed on the face and neck before spreading to the rest of the body. Prior to the rash, symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Severe outcomes also may include pneumonia and encephalitis.
The Florida Department of Health affirmed 98% of individuals with a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are immune and highly unlikely to contract measles.
Since January 2024, 16 states have reported measles outbreaks, including California, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington, Indiana and Arizona.
However, Florida has seemingly received the brunt of criticism by media outlets.
The department, recently speaking to Florida’s Voice, noted 97% of Manatee Bay Elementary School students had at least at least one dose of the relevant vaccination – MMR, for measles, mumps and rubella. The department also noted the national rate was less than 92%.
Since Feb. 16, no additional cases of measles have occurred at Manatee Bay Elementary School, ending the 21-day infection period.
“It’s important that public health leaders consider all available data and make decisions that promote health while respecting the rights of individuals,” Ladapo said. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, I will always serve with integrity and prioritize a holistic approach to public health that tunes into the needs of Floridians – and tunes out the noise.”
