Why do some people think that the measles outbreak in Florida is over already?
Because that's what the media is reporting...
Is the Measles Outbreak in Florida Over Already?
And so it seems, is the Florida Department of Health.
"Once again, Florida leads. To date, no additional cases have occurred at Manatee Bay Elementary since Friday, February 16, 2024; thus, the 21-day infection period has ended."
Leading the Nation Again Florida Successfully Balances Personal Responsibility Parents Rights and Public Health
But all this shows is that once again, Florida leads in going their own way in handling public health problems.
As most folks know, measles outbreaks typically aren't declared over after a single 21-day infection period.
"Active surveillance should be maintained until at least two incubation periods after the last confirmed case is reported (e.g., two maximum incubation periods [21 days from exposure to rash] or 42 days after rash onset in last case)."
Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
So as to not miss any cases and avoid setbacks, health officials wait until two incubation periods before declaring the end of an outbreak.
"Criteria for declaring an outbreak over
An outbreak is considered over after there have been no further epidemiologically or virologically linked cases for two incubation periods (42 days) from the date of onset of the last case."Measles Outbreak Guide
How long has it been since the last reported case in the Florida outbreak?
Although we didn't start getting reports of cases until February 20, it seems likely that the last case occurred on February 15. And if there were no further cases besides that initial cluster of nine cases, then the first incubation period would have been over on March 7.
Is the measles outbreak in Florida over?
Hopefully it really is over.
It is unusual to get cases after one incubation period, but as we have gotten so little information about the outbreak, who knows really.
Mission Accomplished in Florida?
While most experts have panned the advice of Joseph Ladapo, the Surgeon General of Florida, it seems that few parents listened to him. In fact, the controversy caused by his allowing parents of unvaccinated children to decide if they wanted to quarantine likely led to many kids staying home who didn't have to!
"Manatee Bay Elementary administrators said 200 students didn't show up for class on Tuesday. School leaders reported 174 student absences on Wednesday."
Manatee Bay Elementary students have option to stay at home due to measles cases
That is far higher than the number of unvaccinated students in the school!
"All weekend, we were back and forth to, ‘Are we going to take them,’ so we’re taking them, but I’m nervous because of the measles breakout,” said a parent.
Students return to Manatee Bay Elementary following 6 confirmed cases of measles
Still, it really would be helpful to know, especially if you had an immunocompromised child at that school or in the community:
- was there a missed index case earlier in the month?
- were the measles cases in the same grade and/or class?
- how many unvaccinated children and adults were exposed?
- how many children and adults got a dose of MMR at one of the catch-up immunization clinics at the school?
- how many exposed kids stayed home during their quarantine period?
Again, hopefully this outbreak is truly over, but if it is, it will be despite the efforts of Joseph Ladapo, not because of him.
More on Measles Outbreaks
- Who Needs an MMR Vaccine?
- What to Do If Your Child Is Exposed to Measles
- Fact Checking the Idea That Measles Was Never a Scary Disease
- Is the MMR a Leaky Vaccine?
- Florida Department of Health: “Leading the Nation Again, Florida Successfully Balances Personal Responsibility, Parents’ Rights, and Public Health”
- Students return to Manatee Bay Elementary following 6 confirmed cases of measles
- Nearly 1 in 5 students out of class Tuesday at Manatee Bay Elementary School
- Florida is swamped by disease outbreaks as quackery replaces science
- Editorial: Florida shows how to bungle a measles outbreak
- Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
- WHO - Measles Outbreak Guide
- Philadelphia measles outbreak has hospitals on alert after child was sent to day care despite quarantine instructions
- Public health responses during measles outbreaks in elimination settings: Strategies and challenges
- Manatee Bay Elementary students have option to stay at home due to measles cases
- Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo parrots antivax disinformation
- Dr. Joseph Ladapo of “America’s Frontline Doctors” is now in charge of public health in Florida
