Measles keeps spreading in Southwest Florida, with Collier County seeing more cases. In the last week of March, the Florida Department of Health reported two new infections in the county. This follows a February outbreak that started at Ave Maria University and quickly escalated; at least 62 people caught measles during that surge. So far this year, Collier County has reported 106 cases. Statewide, the case count has climbed to 144 in 2026.
Health officials stress that the best way to stop measles is with the MMR vaccine. It’s proven to be both safe and effective.
Measles doesn’t show up right away. Most people feel fine for about a week after being exposed. Then come the first symptoms: a high fever, sometimes over 104°F, along with a cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes (conjunctivitis). These signs often last a few days before tiny white spots (Koplik spots) appear inside the cheeks. Soon after, a flat, red, itchy rash breaks out, usually starting at the face or hairline and then spreading down to the rest of the body. The rash lasts about five or six days.
A few more key points: Someone with measles can spread it to others from four days before the rash shows up to four days after. It’s highly contagious. Complications can be serious, including ear infections, severe diarrhea, pneumonia, or even encephalitis, which is brain swelling.
If you suspect measles, reach out to a healthcare provider right away. Seek emergency care if there’s trouble breathing, a seizure, or extreme drowsiness; these are all signs of something more severe.
