In Florida, authorities announce first measles case in public school as experts stress vaccination
A case of measles has been detected in Florida for the first time in 2025, with one student at Palmetto Senior High School testing positive for the disease. The news was confirmed by local sources and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres addressed the measles case in a news conference, revealing that the vaccine rate at the school is 99.7%.
During a press conference in Tampa, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo confirmed the measles case and expressed concern that there may be more cases. He emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles and stated that the Florida Department of Health is actively monitoring the situation.
Dr. Ladapo also highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing measles outbreaks. He mentioned that the department has provided information to parents about vaccination options and stressed the availability of measles vaccines for those interested in protecting their children.
Meanwhile, Texas has reported a significant increase in measles cases, with 198 infected individuals, including one child who tragically died from the disease. Most cases were identified in unvaccinated school-aged children. Additionally, New Mexico reported its first measles-related death in an unvaccinated adult.
The best way to prevent measles infections is by receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine, which provides immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. Dr. Ladapo also mentioned the potential use of vitamin A as a treatment for measles, following recent suggestions by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While vitamin A can be effective for individuals with a deficiency, vaccination remains the primary method of preventing measles.
Medical experts emphasize the importance of community education and vaccine accessibility in controlling measles outbreaks. Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes warned against inappropriate vitamin A dosing, which can lead to toxicity. Neil Maniar highlighted the MMR vaccine as a powerful tool in preventing and controlling measles outbreaks, calling for collaborative efforts to educate individuals and families about its significance.
For more information on health-related issues, visit Fox News Health. Further comments were sought from Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Miami-Dade Public Schools, Palmetto Senior High School, and the Florida Department of Health. Angelica Stabile, a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital, contributed to this article.
