PINECREST, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami-Dade County Public Schools officials have confirmed a case of measles at Miami Palmetto Senior High School in Pinecrest.
A spokesperson for the district confirmed the case Tuesday afternoon but said no further details could be released because it involves a minor.
The school said it was working closely with the local health department to “ensure the health and safety of our school community.”
Parents at the school reacted to the news.
“I wasn’t too concerned because my children are vaccinated,” said Jill Katz, who received the call while in the stands for her son’s lacrosse game Tuesday night.
“Being in a public school with close quarters, absolutely we believe that vaccination is important. I’m not sure why this happened, if the kid is not vaccinated or just happened to get it,” said Yasmin Kazi, a parent and physician. “We’re hoping that most kids are vaccinated and they won’t get it.”
Students said they were surprised by the news.
“It is scary, and my question is, has it happened anywhere else besides our school?” said Michael Spetko.
“I thought measles was gone from here,” said another student.
Many of them felt conflicted about the outbreak since some have the measles vaccination, while others don’t.
“I got the vaccination so it’s not that worry full for me,” said a student.
“I know I’m not[vaccinated] which is a little concerning but I should be fine,” said another student.
“I heard it was super contagious but I mean right now the best bet is just to stay careful,” said another student.
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by one of the world’s most contagious viruses. The virus is airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. It most commonly affects kids.
The initial symptoms, which show up seven days after exposure, include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
The principal of the high school, Victoria Dobbs, in a note to parents, told them to inform the school if their child is showing any measles-like symptoms, as the local health department is tracking down people who had close contact with the infected person.
“We regret to inform you a student has been diagnosed with measles,” she said in a voice message.
This latest case in South Florida comes as the virus is popping up throughout the nation. A key hotspot is in Texas, where officials have confirmed 159 cases and at least one death of an unvaccinated child.
According to the CDC, eight other states are battling measles cases as well.
The U.S. considered measles eradicated 25 years ago, despite this, an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized, and between 400 and 500 people died last year because of the disease.
The best way to avoid getting measles is to get the MMR vaccine.
The local health department will hold a vaccination drive at the school for the MMR vaccine on the week of March 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for unvaccinated students who have their parent’s consent.
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