Florida doctors warn measles outbreak could pose risks for pregnant women as cases rise
As measles cases continue to rise in Ave Maria, doctors are warning pregnant women about risks to maternal health and fetal development.Health officials have not released updated case totals, making it difficult to confirm whether the outbreak remains contained to the university campus. However, a local clinic has confirmed 20 measles cases connected to the Ave Maria area.Dr. Thomas Beckett, an obstetrician-gynecologist in North Naples, said while the measles currently spreading in Collier County does not typically cause birth defects, it can still lead to serious complications during pregnancy.“It won’t lead to deformities or congenital problems,” Beckett said. “But it can affect the baby’s growth and even lead to stillbirth. It’s something you don’t want to ignore.”Beckett explained that there are two types of measles, which impact pregnancy differently.“There’s regular measles, rubeola, which is what’s breaking out in Ave Maria, and then there’s German measles, or rubella,” he said.According to Beckett, German measles can cause serious birth defects if a woman is infected early in pregnancy. The measles currently spreading locally does not cause those deformities, but can still negatively affect a fetus through growth restriction or severe illness in the mother.Beckett said pregnant women who contract measles can experience high fevers, pneumonia, encephalitis, and other serious complications. Early medical treatment can help reduce risks.“We can consult infectious disease specialists and, in some cases, use immunoglobulins to help,” Beckett said.Doctors also remind expecting mothers that they cannot receive the MMR vaccine during pregnancy because it is a live vaccine. Instead, immunity is checked early in prenatal care, and the vaccine is typically offered after delivery if needed.Students at Ave Maria University say they have not been given a clear picture of how many measles cases are currently on campus. Some told Gulf Coast News they have heard a wide range of numbers circulating among students.“There’s been a lot of numbers thrown around. I don’t know exactly what,” said sophomore Thomas Knipple.Senior Luke Bleyer said he has heard rumors ranging from dozens to hundreds of cases.Doctors urge people to watch for symptoms such as fever, cough and a spreading rash.Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider immediately.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
As measles cases continue to rise in Ave Maria, doctors are warning pregnant women about risks to maternal health and fetal development.
Health officials have not released updated case totals, making it difficult to confirm whether the outbreak remains contained to the university campus. However, a local clinic has confirmed 20 measles cases connected to the Ave Maria area.
Dr. Thomas Beckett, an obstetrician-gynecologist in North Naples, said while the measles currently spreading in Collier County does not typically cause birth defects, it can still lead to serious complications during pregnancy.
“It won’t lead to deformities or congenital problems,” Beckett said. “But it can affect the baby’s growth and even lead to stillbirth. It’s something you don’t want to ignore.”
Beckett explained that there are two types of measles, which impact pregnancy differently.
“There’s regular measles, rubeola, which is what’s breaking out in Ave Maria, and then there’s German measles, or rubella,” he said.
According to Beckett, German measles can cause serious birth defects if a woman is infected early in pregnancy. The measles currently spreading locally does not cause those deformities, but can still negatively affect a fetus through growth restriction or severe illness in the mother.
Beckett said pregnant women who contract measles can experience high fevers, pneumonia, encephalitis, and other serious complications. Early medical treatment can help reduce risks.
“We can consult infectious disease specialists and, in some cases, use immunoglobulins to help,” Beckett said.
Doctors also remind expecting mothers that they cannot receive the MMR vaccine during pregnancy because it is a live vaccine. Instead, immunity is checked early in prenatal care, and the vaccine is typically offered after delivery if needed.
Students at Ave Maria University say they have not been given a clear picture of how many measles cases are currently on campus. Some told Gulf Coast News they have heard a wide range of numbers circulating among students.
“There’s been a lot of numbers thrown around. I don’t know exactly what,” said sophomore Thomas Knipple.
Senior Luke Bleyer said he has heard rumors ranging from dozens to hundreds of cases.
Doctors urge people to watch for symptoms such as fever, cough and a spreading rash.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
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