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Escambia and Santa Rosa Schools Send Students Home Amid Measles Scare

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Escambia and Santa Rosa County schools in Florida adopted new protocols for students with fever or rash
  • Florida is experiencing a measles outbreak with confirmed cases at Ave Maria University
  • Florida Department of Health teams have been deployed to manage the outbreak

Escambia and Santa Rosa County school districts in Florida have implemented a protocol to send home students who show signs of high fever or a rash as a precaution during an ongoing measles outbreak in the state.

This action is being taken as part of efforts to limit the spread of measles, which has been confirmed in several locations across Florida, including Ave Maria University and the University of Florida.

The protocol specifically targets students who present with either a high fever or a rash, both of which are recognized symptoms of measles. School officials stated that these measures are in response to the current health situation and are intended to help prevent further transmission within school communities.

Florida Department of Health teams, which include nurses, doctors, and contact tracers, have been deployed to Ave Maria University to assist in managing the outbreak. The university is also requiring students without documented immunity to isolate in their dormitories for 21 days following exposure.

What the numbers show

  • At least 11 confirmed measles cases have been linked to Ave Maria University
  • Four people associated with the Ave Maria University outbreak have been hospitalized
  • Two measles cases have been identified at the University of Florida in Alachua County

Measles is known for its high level of contagiousness, with the virus able to remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Common symptoms include high fever, rash, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes.

In addition to the cases at Ave Maria University, the University of Florida has identified two cases in Alachua County and is conducting contact tracing in two classrooms to identify potential exposures.

Multiple hospitalizations have been reported in connection with the outbreak at Ave Maria University. Health authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and implement measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Students and staff in affected areas are being advised to monitor for symptoms and follow public health guidance. The situation remains under review by local and state health officials as efforts to manage the outbreak continue.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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