Dozens of Ave Maria University Students Have Had Measles This Semester

Since the start of the semester, at least 48 students at Ave Maria University have contracted measles, and five students are currently quarantined, according to university and public health updates.

Latest Case Count and Status

University officials report:

• 48 students have already had measles and are now beyond the contagious period.

• 5 students are currently within the contagious window and are under quarantine on campus.

• Some additional test results are still pending.

One local broadcast reported that more than 50 students have been affected overall, including those beyond the contagious period and those currently sick.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically begin 8–14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a widespread rash.

Spread and Response

Health officials say the outbreak appears to remain largely contained to the university campus, with no widespread community transmission reported so far. Local clinics and the Florida Department of Health have been coordinating testing, monitoring and vaccination resources to help control spread.

The average contagious period for measles begins four days before a visible rash and continues four days after it appears, meaning students can spread the virus before symptoms are obvious.

What This Means for Students & Residents

Campus life continues, with classes and activities ongoing under public health guidance, but precautionary measures — including isolation and monitoring — are in place for infected individuals and close contacts.

Public health experts emphasize vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles, particularly the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Why This Matters

Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination, but recent outbreaks — including those linked to under-vaccinated communities — have brought the virus back into sharper focus.

For Collier County, this outbreak highlights how easily measles can spread in close-quartered communities like college campuses, especially when vaccination coverage is incomplete or delayed.