Doctors warn measles could spread fast as Escambia County reports its first case

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Measles cases are running rampant across the country and throughout Florida, including an outbreak of at least 20 cases — and growing — in south Florida.

This week, doctors confirmed one case of the measles here in Escambia County.

Baptist Hospital provided WEAR News this statement:

We can confirm that an individual who recently visited our emergency department tested positive for measles. Given the symptoms at the time of the visit and before tests were confirmed, our care team immediately implemented appropriate isolation precautions to protect the patient and others. While measles is a preventable illness, and individuals who are vaccinated are protected, we understand the cause for concern. If you have questions about symptoms, vaccination, or your family’s health, we encourage you to visit escambia.floridahealth.gov or cdc.gov/measles for more information.

Dr. Edin Pujagic of Pensacola says it was only a matter of time before measles made its way to Northwest Florida.

“Most the time is not that big of a deal,” said Pujagic, with the “Infectious Disease Group.” “But when it’s a big deal, it’s a really big deal.”

Pujagic says the measles is one of the most infectious diseases doctors deal with.

The Centers for Disease Control reports 588 cases nationwide as of Jan. 30.

Betty Hagan serves as the health coordinator for the Escambia County school district. She says the district is following protocol to keep students and staff healthy.

“If a child has a fever of 100.4 or greater, they get set home and they cannot return until they are fever free without medication for 24 hours,” Hagan said.

The measles brings on symptoms like a cough, runny nose, fever and a rash.

Dr. Pujagic says patients are often contagious days before a rash appears.

“There’s a pretty legitimate possibility this is going to be a a big problem everywhere it hits,” he said.

According to the CDC, 88% of kindergartens in Florida had the measles vaccine for the 2024-25 school year.

The agency says a rate of 95% is needed to protect a community.

“I think that’s the type of thing that lets a disease like this run rampant is if you don’t have enough people that are immune to it,” Pujagic said.

Dr. Pujagic says infants, the immunocompromised, seniors, and people who are unvaccinated are the most vulnerable.

“If you get measles, more than likely it will be a self-limited issue and will not cause you a lot of problems,” he said.

The doctor says there’s also a standard risk when it comes to vaccines. He recommends everyone speak with their doctor on the best decision for you and your family.