Measles Outbreak in Florida: Collier County Accounts for Majority of Cases

As of February 22, 2026, Florida is experiencing a measles outbreak, with Collier County accounting for a significant proportion of the state’s cases. The Florida Department of Health is actively responding to the situation, providing guidance and support to affected communities.

Current Measles Statistics in Florida

According to data compiled by the Florida Department of Health, the state has recorded 92 confirmed measles cases as of February 14, 2026. This makes Florida the third-highest state in the nation for measles cases, trailing behind South Carolina and Utah. Source

The cases are distributed across 11 counties:

• Alachua (2)
• Broward (1)
• Collier (66)
• Duval (6)
• Escambia (5)
• Hillsborough (2)
• Lee (1)
• Manatee (3)
• Miami-Dade (1)
• Pinellas (3)
• St. Johns (2)

Outbreak at Ave Maria University

A significant cluster of cases – nearly 60 – is linked to Ave Maria University, located near Naples in Collier County. Source University President Mark Middendorf has directed the leadership team to prioritize the care of students, faculty, and staff, following guidelines from the Florida Department of Health. Source

Ave Maria University reports that students assessed by nurses and found to be within the four-day contagious period are being quarantined. The university also states that the majority of its community is vaccinated. Source

State and Local Response

The Florida Department of Health is leading contact tracing and exposure assessments, providing medical guidance, and offering clinical services on campus. Nurses, doctors, and coordinators from the DOH are working closely with Ave Maria University staff to provide comprehensive care. Source

Despite recent debate surrounding vaccine policies, Florida maintains mandates for vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), as well as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), and polio. Source

National Measles Trends

Nationally, over 1,000 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States as of February 2026, representing nearly half of all cases reported in 2025. Source

Resources and Information

For more information about measles, contact the Florida Department of Health in Collier County at 239-252-8200. To report a disease, call 239-252-8226. Source

The Florida Department of Health’s mission is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Source

Upcoming Collier County Events

• February 24, 2026: FREE 15-Minute Rapid HIV & Hepatitis Screening Days – Immokalee, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at DOH-Collier Immokalee Office. Source
• February 25, 2026: FREE 15-Minute Rapid HIV & Hepatitis STD Screening – Naples, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at DOH-Collier Main Office. Source
• February 28, 2026: Annual Children’s Dental Day, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Nichols Community Health Center. Source