Dozens infected in massive measles outbreak at US college despite majority vaccinations
More than 40 cases of measles have been confirmed at Ave Maria University in southwest Florida, marking the largest outbreak on an American college campus in recent memory.
The outbreak at the private Catholic university comes amid a nationwide rise in measles cases, with 2,280 infections confirmed across the U.S. in 2025 and over 900 cases already reported in 2026.
“Since the start of the semester, 48 nurse-assessed students have passed the contagious period and now have natural immunity,” Ave Maria University said in an online update on February 10.
Several other universities have also reported measles activity this year. Clemson University and Anderson University in South Carolina each had a single confirmed case, prompting the quarantine of larger groups of students. The University of Florida reported exposure in two specific classes at its Gainesville campus.
According to the Florida Department of Health (DOH), 46 confirmed measles cases were recorded in Collier County from January 1 through February 7, with Ave Maria University identified as the main site of the outbreak. Measles is contagious from four days before to four days after a rash appears. “All nurse-assessed students on campus within the four-day contagious period following the onset of a rash are in quarantine,” the university said.
Ave Maria University requires proof of vaccination, though students can opt out for religious or personal reasons under Florida law. University health updates note that the “vast majority” of students and staff are vaccinated. The campus continues normal operations, including in-person classes and Mass.
The DOH emphasizes that individuals with a history of measles infection or who have received the full measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 98% protected and unlikely to contract the disease.
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