On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health confirmed a case of the measles in an unvaccinated child attending an unidentified public school in Miami-Dade County, according to the Miami Herald.
Alvaro Mejia-Echeverry, MD, a medical epidemiologist for the state health department, told the Herald the case was discovered on June 16 and that the child was withdrawn from school after exhibiting symptoms. Dr. Mejia-Echeverry also said the health department had reached out to the parents of children who may have been exposed to the virus. Between students, school employees and medical professionals the child came into contact with prior to the measles diagnosis, Dr. Mejia-Echeverry estimates that 100 people may have been exposed.
According to the Herald, State Surgeon General Celeste Philip, MD, said, "This case serves as a reminder for all residents to check their immunization records or contact their primary care provider's office to make sure they are up to date on the measles vaccine."
Across the country, an outbreak of the measles in Arizona has infected 17 people as of Tuesday.
To learn more about the measles, click here.
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