Florida health officials have confirmed three new cases of measles in the state, with one case reported each in Hillsborough, Manatee and St. Johns counties, according to state health data.
The Hillsborough County case involves a person between the ages of 20 and 24 who was infected in Florida earlier this month, according to the Florida Department of Health’s database for infectious and reportable diseases.
The case in Manatee County was acquired outside the United States. Health officials have not said whether the three cases are connected or whether any of the infected individuals are college or university students. None of the cases involve children.
The third case was reported in St. Johns County. Additional details about that infection have not been released.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air. Health experts estimate that if an infected person enters a classroom of unvaccinated individuals, about 90% would become infected.
Infection typically causes acute illness, including a rash of small, red, slightly raised spots, and can lead to high fever. Serious complications may include bronchitis and pneumonia.
Health officials urged anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles to contact their health care provider or local county health department for guidance on how to safely seek medical care and avoid further spread.
The new cases come amid renewed debate over vaccination policy in Florida. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has publicly pushed for the elimination of mandatory vaccinations required for school attendance, including measles. In a speech last September, Ladapo compared vaccine mandates to “slavery” and pledged to work toward ending them.
In December, the Florida Department of Health moved toward eliminating four vaccines currently required for school attendance: varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15/20). Other vaccine requirements, including measles, polio and tetanus, are mandated by state law and would require legislative action to change.
Nationally, there have been 416 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States so far this year. More than 2,200 cases were reported in 2025, including seven in Florida.
