More than 40 cases of measles have been reported at Ave Maria University in southwest Florida, constituting the largest outbreak on a university campus recorded in the United States. Since the start of the semester, 48 students have recovered from the contagious period, achieving natural immunity. The outbreak at Ave Maria University comes amid a rise in measles cases nationwide, with 2,280 confirmed infections in 2025. So far, more than 900 cases have been reported in 2026. The university has implemented quarantine measures for students who may have been exposed during the contagious period. The institution requires proof of vaccination, although it allows exemptions for religious or personal reasons, in accordance with Florida law. Other universities, such as Clemson and Anderson in South Carolina, have also reported measles cases, but the scale of the outbreak at Ave Maria University makes it unique. The Florida Department of Health has documented 46 confirmed cases in Collier County since the beginning of the year. The Department of Health advises that people with a history of infection or who have received full vaccination have 98% protection against measles. Despite the outbreak, Ave Maria University continues its normal operations, including in-person classes and religious activities. Measures taken by other universities: Other universities are implementing measles prevention measures focused on vaccination, isolation, and epidemiological surveillance, especially in light of recent outbreaks in 2026. Vaccination and immunity requirements; Isolation and case control; Surveillance and general measures; Measles in the U.S.: In other U.S. states,Measles management focuses on intensive vaccination campaigns, quarantines, and contact tracing, coordinated by state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of February 2026, 910 confirmed cases have been reported in 24 states, with significant outbreaks in several of them.

Major Outbreaks

South Carolina leads with over 600 cases in 2026, where the health department is organizing mobile vaccination clinics and has quarantined hundreds of exposed individuals, although vaccination rates remain low (91% in kindergarteners). Utah reports 96 cases, Florida 63, and Arizona 32, linked to previous transmission chains; authorities are implementing testing, isolation, and post-exposure prophylaxis. Other states like California (15 cases), Washington (23), and North Carolina (15) manage international imports with strict surveillance and exposure notifications.