WESTON, Fla. – A total of four measles cases were confirmed at an elementary school in Broward County on Saturday following a first report of the outbreak on Friday, officials said.
Broward County Public School Chief Communications/ Legislative Affairs Officer John J. Sullivan sent out a statement Saturday confirming the three new cases and the health and safety of students and staff at the Weston school:
The case of the highly contagious disease was reported at Manatee Bay Elementary School, at 19200 Manatee Isles Drive, according to Broward County Public Schools on Friday.
The first patient is a third-grade student without a history of travel, according to the Sun Sentinel.
Officials have not confirmed what grade the other students who contracted the disease were in.
Sullivan said the school district was cooperating with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County investigation.
Shawntee Herring, a parent of a student at Manatee Bay, said the school sent a letter to parents saying that a field trip was canceled because of the “confirmed” case.
“I thought at first, ‘Why would a child at school have measles? Isn’t that something we get vaccinated for?”
The case comes amid a worldwide surge in cases amid declining vaccination rates.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are required to attend Florida public schools, but parents can seek religious or medical exemptions.
Two doses of the measles vaccine are highly protective against the disease. Children in developing countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and India are at highest risk.
Measles is among the most infectious diseases known and spreads in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is most common in children under 5. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and a distinctive rash.
Most deaths are due to complications like encephalitis, severe dehydration, serious breathing problems and pneumonia. Complications are most likely in young children and adults over 30.
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Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
