University of Florida measles cases near 60 amid growing outbreak nationwide - CBS News

Twenty-one US states have confirmed cases of measles.

Measles cases at Florida State University rise to nearly 60 as national measles outbreak continues to spread

At least 21 states in the US have confirmed cases of measles.As the outbreak continues across the country

At the University of Notre Dame near Naples, Fla., the number of measles cases has jumped to nearly 60. An unvaccinated sophomore at the school told CBS News he had symptoms before testing positive.

"Honestly, at first it felt like I was cold," said the student."I started with a small rash and then I had a sore throat, a cough."

At the clinic across the street from campus, Dr. Raoul Enad said he treated two patients with smallpox -- a student and a professor, both of whom had been vaccinated.

"The professor, she was in contact with a student who had a serious illness, a serious episode," Enad said."She would have been sicker if she hadn't been vaccinated."

In a statement on its website, the university said "the priority continues to be the health, safety and well-being of all members of our campus community."

Increasing number of cases in the US

is now at risk of losing its measles elimination status for the first time in more than two decades.

“This is the cost of doing business with our relatively porous borders for global and international travel,” Ralph Abraham, deputy director of the CDC, said last month."We have communities that choose not to get vaccinated. That's their personal freedom."

CBS News has tracked more than 1,000 confirmed cases nationwide in 2026, which is about half of what was recorded through 2025.

Three years ago at this time, there were only two cases of this highly contagious virus, according to the CDC.

South Carolina continues to have the largest outbreak with more than 900 cases since September.

The CDC recommends that children receive the first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months.

"I think it's a good reminder that children should be vaccinated against measles," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty McCurry.

Symptoms of Measles

According to the CDC, measles symptoms "appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus."

Symptoms may include:

- High fever (may rise above 104F)

- Cold (runny nose)

- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

In some cases, serious complications may develop, including pneumonia or encephalitis, swelling of the brain.