SouthernWorldwide.com – Measles cases are on the rise across the United States, with one university in Florida reporting a significant surge in infections.
At Ave Maria University, located near Naples, Florida, the number of measles cases has climbed to nearly 60. This outbreak is occurring amidst a backdrop of growing measles incidents nationwide.
A sophomore at Ave Maria University, who has not been vaccinated, described experiencing symptoms before testing positive for measles. He initially felt like he had a head cold, followed by a rash, sore throat, and cough.
At a local clinic, Dr. Raul Enad reported treating two patients with measles: a student and a professor. Both individuals had been vaccinated. Dr. Enad noted that the professor, who had contact with a severely ill student, would have experienced a more severe illness had she not been vaccinated.
The university issued a statement emphasizing that the health, safety, and well-being of its campus community remain its top priorities.
Surging cases across U.S.
The United States is facing the possibility of losing its measles-elimination status for the first time in over two decades. This situation is attributed to a combination of factors, including international travel and communities with lower vaccination rates.
“It’s just the cost of doing business with our borders being somewhat porous for global and international travel,” stated Ralph Abraham, principal deputy director at the CDC, in a previous remark. “We have these communities that choose to be unvaccinated. That’s their personal freedom.”
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As of February 13, 2026, CBS News has documented over 1,000 confirmed measles cases across the nation this year. This figure represents approximately half of the total cases recorded throughout 2025.
For comparison, three years prior to this date, only two cases of the highly contagious measles virus were reported, according to the CDC.
South Carolina continues to grapple with the largest measles outbreak, having reported more than 900 cases since September.
The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age. FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stressed the importance of childhood vaccinations, highlighting measles as a core essential vaccine.
Symptoms of measles
According to the CDC, measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms can include:
- High fever, which can exceed 104° F
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Rash
In severe cases, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain.
Kelsie Hoffman contributed to this report.
