Challenges in Monitoring Measles Spread in Florida Due to Lack of Public Data

Recent concerns about the potential spread of measles in Florida have been raised, but the extent of the outbreak remains uncertain due to the state's removal of key disease surveillance data from its public website. Historically, Florida's Department of Health provided detailed, county-level information on current cases of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, monkeypox, and hepatitis A, which was crucial for epidemiologists, healthcare professionals, and the public to track and respond to outbreaks effectively.

The last available data on disease trends was released in March, following the detection of a measles case at Miami Palmetto Senior High School—marking the first case in 2025. Since then, the publicly accessible data has been taken down, preventing the public from knowing how widespread or contained these infectious diseases are within the state. Despite numerous inquiries, officials have not explained this change nor directed the public to alternative sources of information.

This lack of transparency hampers early detection and community awareness. Experts like infectious disease specialist Aileen Marty emphasize that timely information empowers clinicians and families to identify and respond to outbreaks more promptly. Currently, the Florida Department of Health does publish monthly reports on various diseases, but these are limited to nationwide summaries, with detailed county data for diseases like measles only available up to 2023.

Parents now depend on schools to notify them of potential exposures, but this approach does not protect adults or those in communities without children in school. This information gap is particularly concerning given the rise in measles cases across the U.S., which is projected to exceed 1,000 in 2025 in multiple jurisdictions, including Florida, where nine cases were reported in Broward County in February 2024. Tragically, three children have already died from measles this year.

Vaccine coverage is a contributing factor, with only 88.1% of Florida kindergartners vaccinated in the 2023-24 school year—below the 95% threshold recommended for herd immunity. Religious exemptions, which are increasingly used, further weaken community protection. Experts warn that the decreasing transparency and vaccination rates pose ongoing risks for disease resurgence.

The situation is compounded by federal policies. Earlier this year, the CDC removed several health data sets, citing executive orders, although legal challenges have been initiated by researchers and clinicians seeking to restore access. Meanwhile, Florida also reported recent tuberculosis cases at a high school and federal detention center in South Florida, with ongoing uncertainty about the full scope of the outbreak.

Overall, the reduced availability of real-time disease data in Florida makes it harder for healthcare providers and the public to stay informed and prepared. Experts stress the importance of reliable, timely surveillance to prevent outbreaks, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain public health safety.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-measles-florida-hard-state-disease.html