POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The first measles case was confirmed in Polk County during what doctors are calling an outbreak in Florida.
The case was reported in someone who is 20-24, according to the Florida CHARTS Report.
Nine cases were already confirmed in Broward County, with four reported in children ages five to nine. Most were linked to Broward County Elementary School.
Health officials believe this outbreak has likely been caused by a decrease in vaccinations and that the outbreak is concerning.
According to the CDC, the measles disease is highly contagious. It starts with a fever and soon after causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
Then white spots can appear in the mouth. As the disease progresses, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out that first starts on the head and then spreads to the rest of the body.
Related: Pediatricians share advice to parents as measles cases spread in Florida
Measles can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization, and can still affect someone down the road even if they recover.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo released a statement on the measles outbreak in Broward County but didn't recommend parents to vaccinate their children against measles.
Read the letter here:
Florida Surgeon General Letter on Measles Outbreak by ABC Action News on Scribd
Ladapo not recommending parents vaccinate their children against the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
The measles vaccine is part of the MMR vaccine given to children to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. It's among the mandated vaccines in the state of Florida.
