Days after the first case of measles was detected in South Florida, Miami-Dade school officials are taking steps to keep children safe.
Although the United States declared measles was eliminated in 2000, thanks to the high volume of vaccine residents, recent months have seen an increase in cases across the country.
“We are doing everything we can to make sure this doesn’t happen again, and people have access to good medicine. Including those who want them, the vaccines, which do prevent infection,” said United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease, a contracted person capable of infecting nine out of 10 people they come into contact with.
The virus spreads by coughing and sneezing. Primary symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, which all begin within the first seven days of exposure.
The respiratory virus spread throughout the country, beginning with an outbreak in Texas that has since spread to eight other states.
After a single confirmed case of the measles was detected at Miami Palmetto High School, the district has partnered with the University of Miami’s Health System’s Pediatric Mobile Clinic to offer vaccines to students across the district.
“The measles is extremely contagious, more contagious than COVID. We know that if you have the measles or the child has the measles, that person is likely to spread it to nine out of 10 people,” said Dr. Sarah Marie Selem, a pediatrician in Coral Gables. “And after the fever, the child typically, or the person typically will develop a very distinguishable rash that starts in the face and spreads to the body, and if you suspect your child has the measles, you really should keep him or her home, and you should call the doctor to find out what to do next.”
In addition, free school-age vaccines are provided directly at school sites through the district’s partnership with The Children’s Trust.
Locations and days offering measles vaccines are as follows:
Robert Morgan Educational Center, 18180 Southwest 122nd Ave., Miami- 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mar. 6.
North Region Office, 733 E. 57th Street, Hialeah- 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mar. 7.
Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior, 8600 NW 107th Avenue, Doral- 8:30am to 2:30pm, Mar. 10.
There are additionally more plans for vaccine drives at Miami Palmetto Senior High that will be offered to unvaccinated students whose parents provide consent.
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