5th Measles Case Reported At FL Elementary School: Health Officials

WESTON, FL — State health officials are investigating multiple cases of measles reported at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Broward County, reports said.

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County issued a health advisory for the Weston elementary school Monday, according to the agency’s website.

A fifth case at the schoolwas confirmed Monday by Broward County Public Schools, Local 10 News reported.

“The District is maintaining close coordination with the Health Department to address this ongoing situation,” John J. Sullivan, a BCPS spokesperson, said in a statement provided to the news outlet. “Over the weekend, the district took further preventive measures by conducting a deep cleaning of the school premises and replacing its air filters.”

Health department officials and local partners, including the school district and area hospitals, are working to identify students and others at risk of transmitting or getting measles, the FDOH said. Health care providers in the area have been notified.

"Please note all details regarding the investigation are confidential," the agency told CBS News. "DOH-Broward is continuously working with all partners including Broward County Public Schools and local hospitals to identify contacts that are at risk of transmission."

Those who have received the full series of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunization are 98 percent protected and are highly unlikely to contract measles, the agency said.

Measles is highly contagious and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, with more than a 90 percent contraction rate among susceptible contacts.

Those at risk include people who are immunocompromised and/or those who have not received a full series of the MMR immunization.

Based on the exposure time frame, DOH-Broward is identifying susceptible contacts that may be candidates for post-exposure prophylaxis through MMR or immunoglobulin.

The symptoms of measles generally begin about eight to 14 days after exposure but can range up to 21 days. Transmission is possible four days before the rash becomes visible and four days after the rash appears.

In some cases, measles can result in severe outcomes, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

Anyone who notices these symptoms should contact their health care provider. Patients should contact their doctor or DOH-Broward in advance before visiting them.