Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida provided an update on the measles outbreak in southeast Florida today. Since January 2024, sixteen states have reported measles cases, including California, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington, Indiana, and Arizona. The measles cases in Florida have received disproportionate attention for political reasons.
The national medical health establishment and the media lost public confidence with their response to COVID-19. Conversely, Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis has set a standard for public health with evidence-based leadership.
“Once again, Florida has shown that good public health policy includes personal responsibility and parents’ rights,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While the national medical health establishment and media have lost the public’s confidence, Florida continues to restore sanity and reason to public health and will always do so under my leadership.”
“It’s important that public health leaders consider all available data and make decisions that promote health while respecting the rights of individuals,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, I will always serve with integrity and prioritize a holistic approach to public health that tunes into the needs of Floridians – and tunes out the noise.”
To date, no additional cases have occurred at Manatee Bay Elementary since Friday, February 16, 2024; thus, the 21-day infection period has ended.
In response to initial cases identified at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Broward County on Sunday, February 18, 2024, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo sent a letter to parents providing information regarding the outbreak and guidance for parents:
“Because of the high likelihood of infection, it is normally recommended that children stay home until the end of the infectious period which is currently March 7, 2024. As the epidemiological investigation continues this date could change. However due to high immunity rate in community as well as burden on families educational cost healthy children missing school DOH deferring parents guardians make decisions about school attendance.”
Dr. Ladapo communicated that people with prior infection or full MMR immunization are 98% protected against measles. A holistic approach best serves community needs while protecting individual liberty.
Due to international travel rates there is a possibility for more sporadic cases throughout Florida and United States but Florida’s approach remains unchanged.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect promote improve health all people in Florida through integrated state county community efforts.
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