Measles, a disease once considered to be practically eradicated, has cropped up in Ave Maria in eastern Collier County. It’s the first measles outbreak reported in Southwest Florida, driven by a drop in vaccinations.
At least 12 measles cases have been confirmed at Ave Maria University, already surpassing the total number of 8 cases Florida reported in 2025.
Measles was once a common and highly contagious childhood disease that is characterized by its blotchy rash, according to the Mayo Clinic. While it doesn’t typically cause long-term medical issues, it can be serious and deadly, especially for younger children…