02/06/2026
ALACHUA COUNTY HAS TWO CONFIRMED MEASLES CASES - MULTIPLE CASES CONFIRMED AROUND THE STATE
To read in Spanish, go here: https://www.facebook.com/alachuacountyreadyenespanol
What You Can Do Now:
1) Prevent
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
The CDC states the best protection against measles is vaccination:
• Get vaccinated. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.
• Children may receive MMRV instead, which also protects against chickenpox.
• Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
• Most people vaccinated with MMR or MMRV will be protected for life, and high vaccination rates have made these diseases much less common in the United States.
UF Health Measles FAQs: https://ufhealth.org/2026-measles
CDC Measles information: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/vaccines/index.html
If you wish to get vaccinated, consult your personal health care provider. You can also receive the vaccine at no cost through the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County: 352-334-7900
2) Stay alert for symptoms
If you are not fully vaccinated, contact your health care provider if you develop a rash and/or high fever (often over 101°F / 38.3°C) along with other measles symptoms, such as:
• cough
• runny nose
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• red, watery eyes
Symptoms typically appear 5–14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days to develop.
3) Isolate and call before seeking care
If you think you might have measles:
• Avoid contact with others and call a health care provider first.
• Do not go to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room without calling ahead so steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff.
To determine the safest way to seek care, call:
• Your primary care provider, or
• UF Student Health Care Center (students): 352-392-1161, or
• Florida Department of Health in Alachua County: 352-334-7900
If symptoms are worsening and you believe this is a medical emergency, call 911. Tell the dispatcher if measles is suspected or confirmed.
4) Consider post-exposure options
If you’ve been exposed and are not immunized, getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may still help protect you. Discuss this option with your personal health care provider.
People who are not immune may be at risk of developing measles for up to 21 days after exposure. There is no specific cure; care focuses on medications and support to help manage symptoms.
