Updated 3/5/24

As of March 5, 2024 there are a total number of 9 measles cases in Broward. 

To view the number of cases of measles or any disease use the Reportable Diseases Frequency Report 

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) issued a health advisory on February 18, 2024 due to multiple cases of measles that have occurred at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston.

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  HEALTH ADVISORY | Issued by the Florida Department of Health on February 18, 2024
• Letter to Parents from Florida Department of Health (English)
  Carta a los padres del Departamento de Salud de la Florida (Español)

As of Tuesday, February 23, Broward County Public Schools reports that:

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has been informed by the Florida Department of Health – Broward of one additional confirmed measles case involving Manatee Bay Elementary, bringing the total number of cases at the school to seven. The latest affected individual has not been on campus since February 15. The District and school continue to work closely with the Health Department regarding the confirmed cases.

• BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE | Superintendent Dr. Peter B. Licata provided this video statement update on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. 

Broward County Public Schools is working closely with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. The Health Department is contacting potentially affected families directly. Please follow their recommendations, especially if your child is showing any symptoms such as fever, rash or cough.  

Measles had basically been eradicated in the United States, but in recent years there has been an increase in cases as the highly contagious virus spreads easily in pockets of communities that are not vaccinated for various medical or religious reasons.  

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What to Know About Measles

The virus is highly contagious if you are not vaccinated or not vaccinated fully (it takes two doses).  It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by contact with an infected surface (if you then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.)  Ninety percent of the people close to an infected individual will also become infected if they are not protected.  It can cause serious health complications and even death. One in five individuals are hospitalized. 

On February 20, the State Surgeon General sent a letter to Parents and Guardians (also posted here) recommending that unvaccinated students remain home for up to 21 days, the period of time the virus can be transmitted.  

At this time, Broward County Public Schools have made distance learning available with online continuing education, where they will get assignments without teachers.

Although known for its rash, Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. 

Measles symptoms appear in seven to 14 days after contact with the virus.

Watch for:

• high fever (may spike to more than 104°)
• cough
• runny nose (coryza)
• red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

• Information on measles from THE CDC.

• Information on measles from the FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

To contact the Florida Department of Health in Broward, call 954-467-4700.