Measles Outbreak in Florida: Ave Maria University Reports 57 Cases Amidst National Increase

As of February 16, 2026, Florida is experiencing a surge in measles cases, with Ave Maria University in Collier County at the center of a significant outbreak. The outbreak at the university has grown to 57 confirmed cases, with seven students currently considered contagious, according to the latest campus update. This situation unfolds as the U.S. Grapples with a broader national increase in measles infections.

National Measles Trends

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 910 measles cases nationwide as of February 12, 2026. In 2025, a total of 2,280 confirmed cases were recorded, including 25 cases among international visitors to the U.S.

Currently, 23 states have reported measles cases, with South Carolina leading the nation with 616 cases, followed by Utah with 96 cases. Other affected states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Ave Maria University Outbreak Details

Ave Maria University first reported an increase in measles cases earlier this month. As of February 10, 2026, 48 students who were assessed by the university’s nursing staff had progressed beyond the contagious period and developed natural immunity.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) data, updated through February 7, 2026, shows 46 confirmed measles cases across Collier County, with the university being the primary location of the cluster. The contagious period for measles includes four days before and after a rash appears, according to the DOH.

Students at Ave Maria University have described the illness as severe, with some requiring hospitalization. The university administration has been actively communicating updates to students and families throughout the outbreak.

Measles: Understanding the Illness and Prevention

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe rash illness. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine, an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized, and 400-500 people died annually in the U.S. Due to measles.

The CDC recommends vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is approximately 98% effective in preventing measles in individuals who have received the full series of immunizations or have a history of infection, according to the Florida DOH.

Expert Urges Vaccination

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, recently urged individuals to obtain vaccinated against measles, stating, “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem.”

Looking Ahead

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage vaccination to prevent further spread of the virus. The DOH will continue to provide weekly updates on official case numbers for Collier County. Ave Maria University is working with the DOH to support the health and safety of its campus community through ongoing monitoring, vaccination clinics, quarantine protocols, and transparent communication.