Measles cases are rising again in the United States as vaccination rates decline, with Florida reporting multiple outbreaks. Public health experts warn that this highly contagious virus continues to spread.
Measles is an airborne virus that can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours before dying. A person does not have to cough or sneeze to spread the virus. It can spread simply by an infected person standing in a room and talking; which makes it so contagious.
This virus was once nearly eradicated in the United States, but it has begun infecting thousands of people across the country again.
“When you have one person with measles, they can spread it to like 10 to 12 other people,” said Jill Roberts, a professor in the College and Public Health at the University of South Florida.
Early symptoms of measles can appear similar to a common cold. This includes coughing, fever and congestion. However, Roberts said infected individuals often develop red eyes and a rash that appears four to five days after symptoms begin.
Roberts said it can take up to 21 days for signs and symptoms to develop, while the virus can spread for about seven to 10 days.
“Guidelines used to say a child had to be quarantined for 21 days and it’s a great way to stop spreading in schools and Florida said no to this,” Roberts said.
Florida has already seen multiple outbreaks in 2026. Collier County has reported one of the largest outbreaks in the state with 98 cases this year, according to the Johns Hopkins University measles tracker.
The tracker reported 2,213 cases nationwide in 2025. As of March 13, the United States has already recorded 1,513 cases in 2026.
Other Florida counties reporting measles cases this year include: Duval County with six cases, Escambia County with six, Pinellas County with five, Manatee County with three, St. Johns County with three, Broward County with two, Alachua County with two, Hillsborough County with two, Lee County with two, Miami-Dade County with one and Pasco County with one case.
Roberts said vaccination rates among children in Florida are lower than the national average.
“We’re below the national average for vaccination rates for kindergartners. It's a little over 92% and in Florida it's a little under 89%,” Roberts said.
She said public messaging around measles has contributed to vaccine hesitancy and confusion about the virus. She said there was a lot of pushback, at the federal level, for getting rid of mandated vaccines for schools.
“We’ve got a lot of messaging into the state about measles not being dangerous, when in fact it is dangerous. Vaccine should not be mandated, when in fact vaccine mandates are the reason why we were able to eliminate measles in the first place. Policy in the state of Florida is driving hesitancy," Roberts said.
She said physicians are continuing to follow guidelines from the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics when it comes to vaccinations.
“With the major pushback, there was a change in language to allow a new exemption,” Roberts said. “In Florida we always had a medical exemption. Now it’s going to add a parental exemption. If parents feel their children should not get vaccinated for measles, they can get an exemption from the required vaccinations.”
She said lawmakers from both political parties pushed back against removing vaccine mandates entirely.
“It had bipartisan people pushing back. There were both sides of the aisle saying they didn’t feel comfortable rolling back the mandate,” Roberts said.
Roberts said that measles infections can lead to severe and long-term health problems, especially for people who are not vaccinated.
“People who get measles can get encephalitis, which is brain damage and it can be fatal. They can get pneumonia and end up hospitalized, which can be very expensive. They can end up with hearing issues and ear infections,” Roberts said. “They can get infected today and see immune suppression for a year and become very susceptible to all viruses.”
In a recent Yale study, Roberts said the study shows the declining vaccination rates could have significant financial consequences for the country.
Roberts said the study estimates that measles outbreaks could cost the U.S. about $8 billion by 2030.
“Right now it's costing the U.S. around $3 million so far,and it’s March,” Roberts said.
To prevent the virus from spreading further, Roberts recommends that residents get vaccinated and speak with medical professionals about any concerns about the vaccine or virus.
“Reach out to the health department. If you have a kid in school go to your nurse to find mobile clinics and the best places to go. If you have insurance, go to a primary care provider. CVS carries the vaccine and you don’t have to cover certain doctor fees,” she said.
There is no time frame of when to get the vaccine. Once an individual is over the age of one, they are eligible for the vaccine and later on a booster. There will be no damage from getting multiple boosters, if residents are unsure when they are due for one.
Without updated vaccines, Roberts said there is very little data on prevention methods against measles.
“The only prevention is vaccines. This virus spreads so easily. Unless you're walking around with air filters, good luck stopping measles," she said.
Hillsborough County offers vaccine programs to subsidize costs for uninsured residents and some locations offer free vaccines.
According to the Florida Department of Health, eligible children can receive free vaccinations through the Vaccines for Children Program.
Roberts said misinformation about vaccines will continue to circulate online, so it’s important for residents to consult physicians and public health officials when making decisions about vaccinations.
