Measles Outbreak Hits Ave Maria University in Florida

More than 40 measles cases have been reported at Ave Maria University in southwest Florida, the largest outbreak on a college campus in recent history. The cluster has prompted concern among university leaders and public health experts that measles may pose a growing threat to college students who are not vaccinated.

Measles has already disrupted several campuses this year. In January, more than 80 students at Clemson University and at Anderson University were quarantined after each reported a case. Officials at the University of Wisconsin–Madison notified roughly 4,000 people this month that they had been exposed, and the University of Florida informed students that two classes had been exposed.

Most colleges require proof of measles vaccination but many allow religious or personal exemptions. There is no national data on college vaccination rates, though Dr. Sarah Van Orman said universities have seen an uptick in personal exemptions.

United States, southwest Florida

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