Posted 8:00 am February 27, 2026
We have received several calls with questions about the measles outbreak in Collier County. This update provides practical information to help you understand what’s happening locally and what steps to take to protect yourself and your family.
Understanding the Threat
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and the virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, though it can be as long as 21 days. A person is contagious from four days before the rash starts until four days after the rash begins—meaning transmission occurs before people realize they are ill.
The disease causes serious complications in all age groups, but adults face higher complication rates than children. About one in five unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles require hospitalization (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
The Local Situation
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County is working with Ave Maria University to manage the cluster. As of February 26, the Florida Department of Health reports 83 confirmed measles cases in Collier County and 114 cases statewide through February 21 (WGCU, 2026). The outbreak has expanded beyond Ave Maria University, with a measles exposure also confirmed at Naples Classical Academy in February (WGCU, 2026). Public health investigations take time. Not every “suspected” or “clinically diagnosed” case is automatically a “lab-confirmed” case in state reporting. The state’s official surveillance reporting is updated each Thursday and counts can change as cases are validated or reclassified.
Know Whether You’re Protected
Adults can be considered protected if they have written vaccine records showing the appropriate number of MMR doses, a positive measles IgG blood test, a prior lab-confirmed measles infection, or birth before 1957 in routine circumstances.
Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93% effective (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Vaccine-induced immunity appears to be long-term and probably lifelong in most people.
Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune because measles circulated widely and most people contracted the disease during childhood, providing lifelong natural immunity. However, many adults remember “a childhood rash illness” that may have been rubella (German measles) or chickenpox rather than measles. If you are uncertain whether you had true measles, reviewing records or considering an IgG test or vaccination is reasonable.
For most adults, one dose of MMR or other presumptive evidence of immunity is sufficient. However, healthcare workers, international travelers, and post-secondary students should have two doses (given at least 28 days apart) unless they already have other evidence of immunity.
If You May Have Been Exposed
Call our office promptly if you have had close indoor contact with someone who has measles. Timing matters: the MMR vaccine can help if given within 72 hours of exposure, and immune globulin can help if given within six days of exposure, especially for those at higher risk.
High-risk individuals—including pregnant women without presumptive immunity, severely immunocompromised people, and infants too young to be vaccinated—face greater risk for severe disease and complications. If you are in one of these groups or live with someone who is, call us immediately after any exposure.
If You Develop Symptoms
Measles often starts with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning on the face and spreading downward. Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) can appear before the rash develops.
Because measles is airborne, call ahead before coming into the office if you develop these symptoms. We will give you specific instructions for safe evaluation. Seek urgent care (and call ahead) for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, dehydration, confusion, chest pain, or rapidly worsening condition.
What to Do Next
Adults should take the following steps:
- Verify your immunity status by checking for written MMR vaccine records, a prior positive measles IgG test, lab-confirmed prior measles infection, or birth before 1957.
- Call our office the same day if you were in Ave Maria or around university students, or if you were notified by public health about an exposure.
- Call ahead before any in-person visit if you develop fever plus cough, runny nose, or red eyes, especially if a rash follows.
- If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or live with someone who is (or with an infant too young to be vaccinated), contact us immediately after any potential exposure.
- Review your travel plans and family contact patterns with us to ensure you have appropriate protection, especially if you travel internationally or have frequent contact with young children.
- Do not wait and see silently if you may have been exposed—timing matters for post-exposure options.
Moving Forward Calmly
This situation requires attention but not alarm. Measles is preventable, and we have effective tools to protect people and manage exposures when they occur. Our concierge team can review your vaccination records, order immunity testing if needed, and provide personalized guidance based on your travel plans, family circumstances, and health status.
We will update you as official public health reporting evolves. Our goal is to keep you informed, protected, and confident in your health decisions.
Call (239) 690-6286 with questions or concerns.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). How measles spreads. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/causes/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Measles symptoms and complications. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html
- Florida Department of Health in Collier County. (2026). Measles information. Retrieved from https://collier.floridahealth.gov/
- WGCU News. (2026, February 26). Measles exposure confirmed at Naples Classical Academy; 114 cases statewide. PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida. Retrieved from https://www.wgcu.org/culture-and-connections/2026-02-26/measles-exposure-confirmed-at-naples-classical-academy-92-cases-statewide
Frequently Asked Questions About Measles in Collier County
What is measles, and why is it taken seriously?
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air. In close-contact settings, more than 90% of non-immune people exposed will become infected. It can cause pneumonia and brain inflammation, with about one in five unvaccinated people requiring hospitalization.
What is happening locally in Ave Maria?
As of February 26, the Florida Department of Health reports 83 confirmed measles cases in Collier County, representing 73% of Florida’s statewide total of 114 cases. Dozens of the Collier County cases remain linked to the Ave Maria University cluster, which is considered one of the largest measles outbreaks on a U.S. college campus in recent history. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County is providing resources at Naples and Immokalee sites. Naples Concierge Health is actively monitoring the situation and provides same-day consultations for exposure concerns.
How contagious is measles and how does it spread?
Measles spreads through the air and can remain infectious for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. People are contagious from four days before rash onset until four days after the rash begins.
How long after exposure would I get symptoms?
Symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. We help you monitor during this window and provide guidance on testing.
What are the symptoms?
Measles starts with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash appears 3-5 days later, beginning on the face and spreading downward. Tiny white mouth spots (Koplik spots) may appear before the rash.
When should I call Naples Concierge Health?
Call immediately at (239) 690-6286 if you: were in Ave Maria or around students recently, develop fever with cough/runny nose/red eyes or rash, were notified of an exposure by public health, are pregnant, immunocompromised, or live with vulnerable individuals, or have questions about your immunity status. Always call before coming to the office if you have symptoms.
Am I immune if I had measles or was vaccinated as a child?
True measles infection provides lifelong immunity. However, many adults confuse measles with rubella or chickenpox. Immunity requires: written vaccination records (two MMR doses), positive measles IgG blood test, lab-confirmed measles infection, or birth before 1957. We can review your records and help determine your status. Call (239) 690-6286.
Do I need an MMR booster?
Most adults need only one dose or other proof of immunity. Healthcare workers, international travelers, and post-secondary students need two doses (28 days apart). There are no recommendations for a third dose during outbreaks. We review your vaccination history, assess your risk factors, and provide personalized recommendations. Call (239) 690-6286.
Should I check titers (measles IgG) or just get vaccinated?
If you lack documentation and are not pregnant or severely immunocompromised, vaccination is often simplest—there’s no harm in another dose if you may already be immune. Testing is helpful when you’re high-risk (travel/healthcare/living with immunocompromised person) or have complex medical situations. We can order IgG testing with results in 24-48 hours and help you decide the best approach. Call (239) 690-6286.
What does "equivocal" IgG mean?
Equivocal means the test is not clearly positive or negative. CDC guidance treats equivocal results as negative for immunity decisions unless you have other proof of immunity. We review all results personally and explain next steps. Call (239) 690-6286.
Is the MMR vaccine safe at my age?
For most adults who are not pregnant or severely immunocompromised, MMR has an excellent safety record. Common side effects include mild soreness, fever, or rash. Joint aches can occur in adult women due to the rubella component. Severe reactions are rare. We review your complete medical history and medications before recommending vaccination. Call (239) 690-6286.
Who should NOT get the MMR vaccine?
MMR is contraindicated in pregnancy and severe immunocompromise. If this applies to you, call (239) 690-6286. We discuss alternative protection including immune globulin after exposure and ensuring close contacts are immunized.
What if I was exposed—can I prevent measles?
Yes, but timing is critical. MMR within 72 hours of exposure can prevent or modify illness. Immune globulin within 6 days can help high-risk people. We provide urgent same-day evaluation, determine the appropriate option, and administer treatment. Call immediately at (239) 690-6286—do not delay.
What about protecting immunocompromised family members or infants?
High-risk individuals (immunocompromised, infants under 12 months, pregnant women without immunity) need protection through immunizing household contacts. We take a family-centered approach, evaluating and vaccinating household members as needed and developing comprehensive protection plans. Call (239) 690-6286.
If I'm vaccinated, can I still get measles?
Two doses are about 97% effective, so breakthrough infections are possible but uncommon. Vaccine-induced immunity is long-term and probably lifelong in most people.
Does measles have a specific treatment?
There is no antiviral cure; care is supportive. If you develop symptoms, we coordinate safe evaluation with special arrival instructions, arrange testing, notify public health, provide care guidance, and monitor for complications. Always call (239) 690-6286 before coming to the office.
How does Naples Concierge Health help during this outbreak?
We offer immediate phone access, same-day appointments for exposure evaluation, extended consultation time, in-office MMR vaccination, rapid testing coordination (IgG results in 24-48 hours), direct physician communication, and telehealth options for initial screening. Call (239) 690-6286 or visit www.naplesconciergehealth.com.
