Florida has been struck with a measles outbreak. Over a month later, infection routes and possible exposure sites are still unknown. How can this be – and why don‘t politicians do anything about it?
In 2000, the CDC declared measles to be eliminated in the US. Nonetheless, there have been sporadic infections throughout the country since then, with an especially large outbreak in 2019 resulting in 1,249 infections. Now, health care experts are concerned about an outbreak in Florida – not necessarily about the amount of infected people, but because of the way the government handled the cases.
Normally, when a measle case occurs, the state issues a statement with details of the case and information about possible time and location where transmissions might have occurred. Unvaccinated people, who might have been exposed, are urged to contact public health or health care providers and to seek medical attention as soon as they develop symptoms. Infectiologist Dr. Nazifa Qurishi explained to DocCheck: “An infection starts with flu-like symptoms (…) and only in the second phase does a skin rash appear, which usually starts on the face and then continuous behind the ears.” The rash is a clear indication for measles, but Qurishi points out: “What is a bit insidious, the infectiousness is greatest just before the rash appears.” Thus, to prevent further transmission, people need to get diagnosed earlier, which is why detailed information of possible exposures are crucial.
During the latest outbreak in Florida, however, sparse information was given out. Form what is known so far, at least 10 residents and 4 non-residents have been diagnosed since February 1st, 2024, in at least two counties (Broward and Polk). Most cases occurred in students at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Broward County, although only seven of the nine pupils infected were old enough to attend school. The government issued a statement on February 23rd, in which they mention an unspecified number of cases in Broward County and a travel-related case in Central Florida. They did not, however, inform the public about where exposure could have occurred, or which specific locations are affected.
Florida’s surgeon general Joseph Lapado further sparked criticism, when he told parents they could choose whether they wanted to send their unvaccinated children to school. Normally, there are strict directions for unvaccinated children to abstain from school for up to 21 days after an infection has occurred. While Governor Ron DeSantis praised Lapado, saying “once again, Florida has shown that good public health policy includes personal responsibility and parent’s rights”, many criticize him and the state for their handling of the outbreak.
The state’s former surgeon general, Scott Rivkees, commented: “Very little information is available and it’s very unusual to have such sparse information for the public, especially when the onus is being put on parents to make decisions.” And Michael Mina, an infectious disease epidemiologist specializing in measles, added: “What’s happening in Florida is sort of breaking all the global conventions around measles. One of the first things that anyone would normally do, whether it be in Europe the United States, is be extremely – almost overly – transparent.”
For now, the outbreak in Florida seems to have ended. Nonetheless, the way it was dealt with has left experts worrying about future infections. “If it’s not now, it’s next time”, Mine said about the potential uncontrolled spread of the virus. “It can light fires across the country.”
Image source: Caleb Woods, Unsplash
