News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Alachua County Health Department Prepared For Potential Spread Of Measles

The Florida Department of Health confirms that four people with measles have visited Florida in the past two weeks. The Alachua County Health Department is concerned the virus may spread within the school system but administrators say they are prepared.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes a blotchy rash, tiny white spots with bluish-white centers in the mouth, cough and fever. More than 93 percent of kindergarteners in Florida are vaccinated, but some families opt out of vaccination for medical or religious reasons.

Dr. Tom Benton administers the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination to patients daily. He advises that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of disease and fight off the infectious virus.

Carla is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.