Two measles cases have been reported in the Tampa Bay region this month, according to Florida Department of Health data. The cases were identified in Hillsborough and Manatee counties, both involving patients between 20 and 24 years old.
Dr. Lisa Rush, a member of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, said she was not surprised by the reports. "Unfortunately no," Rush said when asked about the cases. "The most scary thing to me is the underreporting. Like we found out about this last week and now we're just kind of hearing in the community about it this week."
The Hillsborough County patient acquired the disease in Florida, while the Manatee County patient contracted it outside the United States, according to the state health department's reportable diseases database.
Dr. Michael Teng, associate professor at the University of South Florida in the Division of Allergy and Immunology, explained that vaccination rates play a crucial role in disease transmission. "Well, so the real difference is that more adults are vaccinated," Teng said regarding differences between adult and child measles cases. With lower vaccination rates comes higher chances for the disease to spread, potentially harming more vulnerable populations, he noted.
Measles is among the most contagious diseases in existence. Rush emphasized the severity of the threat: "One infected measles individual will spread to about 12 to 18 individuals that are unvaccinated. Measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases that we have. It is so contagious that it stays in the air for up to 2 hours after you have had a measles patient walk through a facility."
The disease presents with fever, cough, and a distinctive rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can cause serious health complications, particularly in young children. Symptoms typically develop three to five days after initial signs appear.
Measles vaccination rates in Florida have declined significantly in recent years. Current data from the CDC shows 88.8% of kindergarteners in Florida are vaccinated against measles, down from 93.5% during the 2019-2020 school year. Hillsborough County has one of the lowest measles vaccination rates in Tampa Bay at 86%, while Sarasota County sits at 79.9%. Other area counties range from 87.3% in Pinellas to 91.9% in Pasco.
The Tampa Bay cases emerge as the nation experiences significant measles activity. As of late January, the CDC reported 416 confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2026, with Florida among 14 jurisdictions reporting infections. The previous year saw 2,255 confirmed cases across the country, marking a substantial increase from the 285 cases reported in 2024.
Teng referenced current outbreaks elsewhere: "You will have outbreaks like we've seen last year in Texas. Right now in South Carolina, I think there's something like 300 cases in South Carolina right now."
The recent Florida cases come months after state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced plans to end mandatory vaccinations for schoolchildren. In December, the state moved to roll back requirements for four childhood vaccines through administrative rule changes. However, the MMR vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella was not included in these changes. The requirement for the measles vaccine in order for children to attend school is enshrined in state law, meaning the Legislature would need to act to change it.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, an achievement the CDC described as "a historic public health achievement." The designation meant no new cases were being acquired within the country. Twenty-five years later, cases of the disease have reached levels not seen in decades.
Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against measles infection, while one dose offers about 93% effectiveness. Those who have received the full vaccination series are unlikely to contract the disease.
