(Southwest Florida, February 14, 2026) — An outbreak of measles at Ave Maria University in southwest Florida has sickened more than 40 students, marking the largest such incident on a college campus in recent history.
More than 40 students at Ave Maria University have contracted measles, representing the largest outbreak of the disease on a U.S. college campus in recent memory.
- More than 40 cases of measles have been confirmed at Ave Maria University.
- The outbreak is the largest reported on a college campus in recent history.
The measles outbreak at Ave Maria University is currently affecting students in southwest Florida, according to reports.
Why It Matters
This outbreak underscores the ongoing risk of measles, a highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. While vaccination rates remain high overall, pockets of unvaccinated individuals can lead to outbreaks like the one at Ave Maria University. The scale of this outbreak, being the largest on a college campus in recent history, highlights the potential for rapid spread in close-quarters settings like university dormitories and classrooms. This situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vaccination for preventing the resurgence of preventable diseases.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. The disease can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Public health officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
Time.news based this report on reporting from multiple sources and added independent analysis and context.
