Measles

The increase in the number of Florida's measles cases slowed down in March. But its overall case count is still one of the highest in the country.

As of March 21, the state reported 143 measles cases in 2026, with 73% in Collier County. The week before, there were 139 statewide.

According to the CDC, Florida has the third-highest number of cases in the country this year with 116 cases, behind South Carolina with 664 and Utah with 231.

Rathore, a leading expert in infectious diseases, discusses the current measles outbreaks in several states, including Florida.

This week on "The Florida Roundup," U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor joined us for updates on the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and the partial government shutdown. Plus, we discuss a rise in measles cases in the state and more.

Of the state's 93 "locally acquired" measles cases this year, 70 reportedly were acquired in Collier. Beyond Collier, cases were in 12 other counties.

The Senate is poised to vote on the bill Monday, but the House hasn’t advanced its version of the bill and is unlikely to take it up with the session scheduled to end Friday.

As public health experts work to investigate the already reported infections, the virus continues to spread throughout the state.

Florida is preparing to welcome millions of college students and families to its beaches, amusement parks and other hotspots. Doctors worry those visitors may return home with more than tans.

Health officials verified that an infected adult was on the campus of Naples Classical Academy for less than three hours on Feb. 10, but the school says no additional cases have been reported.

The debate in the Senate Appropriations Committee was vigorous at times, with some supporters unsure if they would support the measure on the chamber floor. A House companion bill has not yet been considered.

Statewide infections increased from 67 to 92 from Feb. 7 to Feb.14, according to the Florida Department of Health. Meantime, the CDC said it had confirmed 982 cases as of Thursday.