Florida Measles 2026: 61 Cases — Collier County Outbreak Update

Florida Measles 2026: Current Outbreak Status

Florida is reporting 61 confirmed measles cases in 2026 as of the latest data (week ending March 14, 2026), with an active outbreak designation from public health officials. The state’s situation is classified as VERY HIGH risk.

Track the latest case count, outbreak status, and trend on our Florida measles dashboard.

Collier County: Florida’s Outbreak Epicenter

The majority of Florida’s 2026 measles cases are concentrated in a single county:

County	Cases (2026)	Notes
Collier	42	Naples / Marco Island area — active outbreak
Duval	4	Jacksonville area
Escambia	3	Pensacola area
Manatee	2	Bradenton / Sarasota area
Pinellas	2	St. Petersburg / Clearwater area

Collier County (Naples and Marco Island) accounts for 69% of Florida’s 2026 cases with 42 confirmed infections. This concentration in a single county suggests a community-level outbreak that has spread within a specific population cluster.

The cases in Duval (Jacksonville), Escambia (Pensacola), and Pinellas (St. Pete) represent smaller, separate clusters — indicating measles is appearing in multiple regions of the state, not just one localized area.

Florida in the National Context

Florida is the second-hardest-hit state in the 2026 national measles outbreak, behind Texas. Nationally:

• 607 total US cases in 2026
• Texas: 152 cases (25% of national total)
• Florida: 61 cases (10% of national total)
• Combined, these two states account for 35% of all US cases

Other high-activity states:

• Texas measles cases — 152 cases, West Texas outbreak
• Indiana measles cases — Active outbreak
• North Carolina measles cases — 13 cases, active outbreak
• New Mexico measles cases — 12 cases, active outbreak

The Vaccination Question

Measles spreads easily in under-vaccinated communities. Florida has seen rising non-medical vaccine exemption rates in some school districts, and the state has faced scrutiny from public health advocates over its immunization policies.

The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles after two doses. For community protection (herd immunity), vaccination rates need to stay above 95%. When clusters of unvaccinated individuals form — even in a small school or community — measles can spread explosively.

Check Florida MMR kindergarten vaccination rates to see how the state’s school coverage compares to the 95% threshold.

Should Florida Residents Be Concerned?

If you are fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR, your risk is very low. The outbreak primarily affects unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals.

Higher-risk groups in Florida:

• Unvaccinated children, especially in Collier County and surrounding areas
• People born between 1957–1989 who may have received only one dose (or none)
• Immunocompromised individuals who cannot be vaccinated
• International visitors — Florida’s tourism industry means frequent contact with travelers from countries where measles is more common

What Florida Residents Should Do

1. Check vaccination records for your children. Two MMR doses are required for school entry in Florida. Confirm they are on file.
2. Adults: verify your own vaccination status. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two MMR doses, a booster is safe and free at most pharmacies.
3. Know the symptoms. High fever (104°F+), cough, runny nose, red eyes — followed by a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Measles is contagious 4 days before the rash appears.
4. Call before going to a clinic. If you suspect measles exposure, call your healthcare provider first. Arriving in a waiting room can expose others.
5. If visiting Collier County: Be especially aware if traveling to the Naples / Marco Island area, which remains the active outbreak center.

More Florida Health Data

• Florida flu activity — Current influenza surveillance
• Florida RSV activity — Hospital admissions data
• Florida COVID-19 activity — ER visit trends
• What’s going around in Florida? — Full health dashboard

Neighboring States

• Georgia measles cases — 2 cases, active outbreak
• Alabama measles cases — Current status
• South Carolina measles cases — Current status

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Data updated weekly from Johns Hopkins University Measles Tracking Team. See the Florida measles dashboard for the latest case data and trend charts.