Measles is a contagious disease that has been around for a long time. The fact that individuals rarely discuss contracting measles does not mean that it no longer exists. According to Florida Health’s clinical overview on measles, epidemiology shows that the Measles Case Counts in Florida Residents by Year 2013 – 2024 indicate that 2018 had the most cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weekly update states “as of February 22, 2024, a total of 35 measles cases were reported by 15 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.” However, there had been an increase in measles diseases, with nine confirmed cases in Florida, primarily affecting schools in the Broward County area, according to ABC News.
Since he disregarded the measles epidemic procedure, Dr. Joseph Abiodun Ladapo, Florida’s surgeon general since 2021, has been under criticism. In his capacity as the state’s surgeon general, Ladapo is responsible for preserving and advancing public health in the state he represents. In essence, he serves the public and legislators as a reliable source of knowledge and counsel. In the letter dated February 20, 2024, Dr. Ladapo first noted that there was a measles outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary School. He then stated that “due to the high immunity rate in the community, as well as the burden on families and educational cost of healthy children missing school, DOH is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance.”
“This recommendation may change as epidemiological investigations continue,” Dr. Ladapo added. Concerns from the public have been expressed, particularly by parents. The goal of public health procedures is to stop the spread of infectious diseases, and this decision goes against that goal.
Ladapo’s actions have drawn harsh criticism from reputable organizations and public health professionals since his insistence that parents decide whether to send their children to school could accelerate the spread of the disease not just throughout Florida but even into neighboring states. Students at the impacted schools include children with weakened immune systems, young children who cannot receive vaccinations, and even children who would not fully develop immunity from vaccinations. All of these groups are vulnerable.
The Florida Department of Health is still keeping an eye on the circumstances and the outbreak’s underlying causes. Currently, vaccination is the most effective preventative measure against measles. Those who exhibit symptoms of the measles should also get medical help right away.
