Florida has officially reported its first measles case of the year as other states grapple with a concerning outbreak. In 2025, the United States has seen over 100 confirmed cases of this contagious disease, with Texas marking a grim milestone as it reported the first measles-related death in nearly a decade. The latest case involves a teen from Miami-Dade County, specifically a student at Palmetto Senior High School.
The Palmetto Senior High student is identified as Florida’s first confirmed case of measles for 2025, according to preliminary data from the state’s reportable disease surveillance system. Last year, in 2024, Florida recorded at least a dozen cases of measles, some of which were linked to an outbreak at an elementary school in Broward County.
“Measles is extremely contagious,” stated Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who faced criticism in the past for allowing unvaccinated children to attend school during previous outbreaks. On Wednesday, Ladapo confirmed that health officials have already communicated with the school regarding the newly reported case and have provided parents with vital information about their options.
The school administration has reassured parents that the risk remains low for students who are vaccinated. They are collaborating with local health officials to implement preventive measures. The potential risk of a measles outbreak at Palmetto Senior High largely hinges on the vaccination rates among students, faculty, and staff, as well as the interactions of the infected student with unvaccinated individuals.
Public health strategies such as sanitation, vaccination, quarantining infected individuals, and isolating those at risk will be crucial in mitigating the spread of the virus. “To prevent a measles outbreak, it is essential to keep unvaccinated children from attending school when a case is confirmed,” emphasized Jill Roberts, an associate professor at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health.
Measles, a highly contagious disease, was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to successful vaccination efforts. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) is mandatory for K-12 students in the U.S., though some may have medical or religious exemptions. Although measles is not frequently seen, outbreaks can still occur, mainly triggered by unvaccinated travelers returning from abroad.
“The reason we don’t see hundreds of cases today as we did in the pre-vaccine era is due to widespread vaccination,” remarked Mary Jo Trepka, an epidemiology professor at Florida International University. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one infected person can transmit the virus to 9 out of 10 unprotected individuals.
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing and by touching contaminated surfaces. For vaccinated individuals, contracting the disease is rare. Symptoms generally manifest between 7 to 14 days after exposure and initially resemble those of a common cold, including cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and high fever.
As the illness progresses, a characteristic rash appears, beginning on the face and spreading downward. If symptoms develop, a doctor may conduct a blood test, swab the nose or throat, or perform a urine test for confirmation. Recovery from measles typically takes 10 to 14 days, assuming no complications arise.
Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, emphasized the importance of vaccination in light of the current outbreak and urged those unvaccinated to seek the MMR vaccine promptly.
The risk of a measles outbreak in Miami-Dade County or at Palmetto Senior High is closely tied to vaccination rates and community health measures. The higher the vaccination rate, the lower the risk of outbreaks. “Measles requires exceptionally high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks,” explained Trepka. A 95% vaccination threshold is recommended to minimize spread risk.
Recent data showed approximately 93% of seventh-graders and nearly 91% of kindergartners in Miami-Dade County had received their required immunizations, indicating a concerning gap below the recommended threshold.
As of February 27, the CDC reported 164 measles cases across multiple states, with most linked to outbreaks among unvaccinated individuals. “While individual cases aren’t uncommon, the current numbers are unusual for this time of year,” noted Roberts.
Vaccination hesitancy, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to increased numbers of unvaccinated individuals, creating conditions ripe for outbreaks. The CDC has deployed officials to Texas, the epicenter of the current outbreak, where a tragic case of an unvaccinated child resulted in the first measles death since 2015.
The only measles case reported in Florida to date involves a Miami-Dade teenager aged 15 to 19. Health officials are investigating whether the infection occurred locally or elsewhere.
In conclusion, as Florida faces its first measles case of 2025, the importance of vaccination, public health measures, and community awareness cannot be overstated. Protect yourself and others by staying informed and ensuring you and your family are appropriately vaccinated.
