24-05-2025
South Florida sees second case of measles as U.S. outbreak continues. What to know
A child in Broward County has become the second confirmed case of measles in South Florida in the last two months, state records showed.
The newest case was confirmed to be a child who is less than 5 years old and contracted the virus outside the United States, according to the Florida Department of Health's Reportable Diseases Frequency Report. It was reported in April, and no other information was released.
In early March, the state's first measles case was confirmed in Miami-Dade County from a teen who attends Palmetto Senior High. The U.S. has recorded more than 1,000 cases of the disease in 2025.
READ MORE: Are you at risk for measles? Miami sees case amid U.S. outbreak. What to know in Florida
How does measles spread?
Measles can spread through coughing, sneezing and by touching infected surfaces. For those who are vaccinated, infection is rare. For those who previously had measles, you can't get the infection again.
What are the symptoms?
According to Florida's health department, measles can be transmitted four days before symptoms start. Symptoms can appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. At first, they are similar to a normal cold and can include cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a high fever up to 105 degrees.
Red spots and bumps then appear on the face, spreading to the neck, chest, legs, arm and feet. The rash typically appears three to five days after the first symptoms.
What to do if exposed or diagnosed
▪ If you're vaccinated for measles, it's rare that you'll fall ill but you should still notify your doctor and monitor for symptoms. However, if you're not vaccinated or have never previously had measles, speak with your doctor about getting the MMR vaccine.
▪ If you get the vaccine within 72 hours after initial exposure, it could provide some protection against the disease or help you have a milder illness, the CDC says.
▪ Health experts recommend people contact their doctors for guidance if they were exposed to measles. To reduce the risk of exposing others, don't show up at the doctor's office without notifying the office beforehand. Telehealth appointments are another option. To reduce the risk of spreading the disease, doctors also recommended that people avoid visiting an ER for a diagnosis unless they have another medical emergency.
▪ If you have measles, the CDC recommends staying home for four days after developing the rash to reduce your risk of spreading the virus to others. At home: wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, don't share drinks or eating utensils and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
