A recent measles outbreak at Ave Maria University in southwest Florida has reignited national concern about the spread of vaccine preventable diseases on college campuses. More than 40 confirmed measles cases have been reported at the private institution, making it one of the largest measles outbreaks recorded on a U.S. college campus in recent years.
Public health experts warn that this situation reflects a broader national trend. Measles cases are increasing across the United States, and colleges are emerging as vulnerable environments where outbreaks can escalate quickly. As vaccination rates fluctuate and exemption policies remain in place at many institutions, health officials are urging renewed attention to immunization compliance and outbreak preparedness.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, making close living quarters especially risky.
College campuses create ideal conditions for transmission. Students live in dormitories, attend large lectures, participate in social events, and share dining and recreational spaces. According to Dr. Jonathan Temte, former chair of the vaccine advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, campuses provide an “ideal” setting for viruses like measles to spread rapidly.
While most colleges require proof of vaccination against measles, typically through the MMR vaccine, exemptions for religious or personal reasons remain available in many states. Even small decreases in vaccination rates can weaken herd immunity, allowing outbreaks to occur.
The outbreak at Ave Maria University is not an isolated event. Other campuses have faced measles exposures this year, prompting quarantines and exposure notifications.
In January, more than 80 students at Clemson University and Anderson University in South Carolina were quarantined following measles exposure. This month, approximately 4,000 individuals at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were notified of possible exposure. Students at the University of Florida were also alerted after confirmed cases were linked to two classrooms.
National data show a concerning upward trend. In 2025, the United States recorded 2,280 confirmed measles cases, the highest number since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. More than 700 cases have already been reported in 2026, with significant clusters in South Carolina and Florida.
Public health officials emphasize that elimination status does not mean the disease is gone. It means that measles is not continuously circulating domestically. However, imported cases and localized outbreaks can still occur, particularly in under vaccinated communities.
Before the measles vaccine became widely available in the 1960s, nearly all children contracted measles. Although about 450 people died each year, most survivors gained lifelong immunity through natural infection.
Today’s college students grew up in a very different era. Thanks to successful childhood vaccination programs, many were never exposed to measles. However, some individuals were never vaccinated due to exemptions or missed doses.
Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota has noted that a growing group of individuals in their early twenties lack protection. They never had measles and were never vaccinated, creating pockets of vulnerability large enough to sustain outbreaks.
Although the MMR vaccine is highly effective, breakthrough infections can occasionally occur, particularly if immunity has waned over time. However, vaccinated individuals are far less likely to become infected or experience severe complications compared to those who are unvaccinated.
Most U.S. colleges require students to provide proof of measles vaccination before enrollment. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella and is typically administered in two doses during childhood.
At Ave Maria University, students must show proof of vaccination but may claim exemptions under Florida law by signing a waiver acknowledging the associated risks. While the university reports that most of its campus population is vaccinated, exact immunization rates have not been publicly released.
Even a modest decline in vaccination coverage can significantly reduce herd immunity. Measles requires approximately 95 percent vaccination coverage in a community to prevent sustained transmission. When vaccination rates drop below this threshold, outbreaks become more likely.
As cases increase nationwide, colleges are reviewing vaccination records and updating outbreak response plans. Some institutions are considering stricter enforcement measures to ensure compliance.
Measles is not a mild childhood illness. Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis, hearing loss, and in rare cases, death.
College aged adults may underestimate the severity of the disease. However, unvaccinated young adults remain at risk for serious outcomes. Measles can also pose significant danger to immunocompromised individuals and those who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons.
Outbreaks often require quarantines, class disruptions, and extensive contact tracing efforts. These measures can strain campus health services and interrupt academic schedules.
The resurgence of measles on college campuses highlights broader challenges in maintaining high vaccination rates. Public health experts stress the importance of clear communication about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Strategies that may help reduce outbreak risk include:
Educational campaigns aimed at students and parents may also help counter misinformation about vaccines.
The outbreak at Ave Maria University serves as a reminder that measles remains a threat when vaccination coverage declines. As cases rise nationally, colleges must remain vigilant to protect students and prevent further spread.
The measles outbreak at Ave Maria University underscores a growing public health concern across U.S. college campuses. With more than 40 confirmed cases at one institution and hundreds reported nationwide this year, the importance of maintaining strong vaccination coverage cannot be overstated.
College campuses are dynamic environments where infectious diseases can spread rapidly. Ensuring high immunization rates, enforcing clear policies, and responding swiftly to exposures are essential steps in preventing future outbreaks.
As measles cases continue to climb, public health officials warn that without improved vaccination compliance, similar outbreaks may become more common in higher education settings across the country.
The New York Times. Feb. 13, 2026.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Statistical data reflects general public health trends and does not apply to individual medical situations. Individual risk factors vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment decisions.
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