Six cases of measles have been reported in Duval County since the beginning of the year, with over one hundred cases statewide.

In February, Student Health Services at the University of North Florida shared on social media information about the vaccine and steps students should take to raise awareness and prevent illness.

Student Health Services has three areas, including the Student Health Clinic, Medical Compliance, and Outreach and Education Programs. According to the Student Health Services website, they provide multiple services to students, such as providing acute and preventive care, overseeing immunization compliance and student health insurance programs and offering outreach and educational programs for students and the community.

The most recent cases of measles in Duval County have been reported in individuals who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status, according to the Student Health Services post.

If students are unsure of their vaccination status or immunity, they can schedule a free appointment with a clinical provider at the Student Health Clinic (Building 39A, Second floor). 

About the Virus

Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people, according to the World Health Organization. The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virus.

Prevention and Awareness

Following the reports of Measles in 2026, Jacksonville Chief Health Officer Dr. Sunil Joshi spoke about the disease and how to prevent it. Joshi is a Jacksonville allergist and immunologist.

The disease poses the greatest risk to people who are unvaccinated, pregnant, severely immunocompromised, or infants, according to Joshi. If measles is suspected, patients should be isolated and kept home from school or work for at least four days after the rash begins.

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age and again between ages 4 and 6.

“Two doses of the vaccine provide a 97% effectiveness rate at preventing measles,” Joshi said.

Vaccinations are available through the Florida Department of Health in Duval County.

Previous reports in Duval County

Last year, measles was reported in a 22-year-old in Duval County, News4Jax reported.

Before last year’s case, only one measles case was reported in 2018 and 2019 in Duval County, according to Florida Health Charts. 

Statewide, 122 measles cases have been reported in 2026 as of March 20, according to the CDC. Nationally, that number is up to nearly 1,500.

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