Ave Maria measles case count nears 60

Feb 12, 2026 By CJ HADDAD 4 min read

Cases continue to climb in a “very serious” measles outbreak in Collier County.

Since the semester began the second week of January, more than 50 cases of the highly-contagious virus have been reported on the campus of Ave Maria University.

According to the university, as of Feb. 11 at 9 a.m., there are a total of seven nurse-assessed students on campus within the four-day contagious period since the onset of a rash, and that they are in quarantine.

Ave Maria officials also stated in the Feb. 11 update that since the start of the semester, 50 nurse-assessed students have progressed beyond the contagious period and now have natural immunity.

“We continue to provide care for all students regardless of test results and are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the DOH,” Ave Maria officials stated. “In addition to the Padre Pio Campus Health Clinic, a second on-campus clinic has been established to support routine student care. We are investing deeply in the care, safety, and medical and spiritual support of every student.”

In Lee, the county’s leading healthcare provider stated they have are not actively treating any individuals for the virus. 

“The health system is prepared to support any issues related to the regional measles activity,” said Lee Health Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Charles Callahan.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, feeling tired as well as red, watery eyes. 

“Approximately three to five days after these initial symptoms, a rash appears, starting on the face and spreading downward,” he said. “Tiny white spots (Koplik’s spots) may also appear inside the mouth.”

Callahan said a measles outbreak occurs when a large number of people are affected. According to the CDC, up to nine out of 10 people without immunity who have close contact with a person affected by measles will develop the virus. Measles is spread when an affected person coughs, breathes or sneezes. An outbreak of measles affecting more than 50 people, such as at Ave Maria University, is “very serious.”

“In severe cases, measles can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), permanent blindness, or hearing loss,” Callahan said. “It can also cause immunosuppression after infection, especially in children.

“High-risk populations could get very sick or even die from measles. The highest risk populations include unvaccinated people, all children younger than 12 to 15 months of age — before the age of typical immunization — pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.”

As for how an outbreak can be curbed, Callahan said for those exposed to measles, post-exposure isolation and even treatment can prevent illness, reduce severity, and limit the spread. 

“People who are not vaccinated against measles may need to be quarantined away from exposed individuals and should contact a doctor to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed,” he said. “Getting vaccinated against measles within 72 hours of exposure can help avoid serious illness. In general, vaccination will help prevent outbreaks and community spread.”

Callahan added that the incubation period is the time between exposure to a virus and the onset of symptoms. He said for measles, this is usually eight to 14 days after exposure, but it can be as short as seven days or as long as 21 days. 

“During this time, you may not have symptoms yet, but the virus could be in your body,” Callahan said. “It’s important to watch for symptoms for three weeks after exposure.

“The turnaround time for laboratory testing may be two to three days. If the results are positive, the Florida Health Department will be notified, and you will be notified of the next steps in your care. You should remain at home until four days after the rash onset or until measles is ruled out.”

The MMR vaccine is being offered at no cost at DOH-Lee County – Michigan Clinic, at 3920 Michigan Ave. in Fort Myers. 

“Getting vaccinated against measles is the best way to prevent an outbreak,” Callahan said. “The immune response to vaccination is significant, with approximately 93% effectiveness after the first dose and 90% after the second. Adults who were vaccinated or exposed to the virus, even in childhood, are protected.”

For more information: lee.floridahealth.gov.

To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com