Measles case at school

A measles case was confirmed in the Wellington Community High School community, and Palm Beach County school officials alerted families on April 22. (cbs12.com) Principal Cara Gorham told families that the person diagnosed with measles was not on campus while contagious, according to local health officials. WPTV reported classes were set to continue as normal on Thursday, April 23. (wptv.com) The district did not say whether the case involved a student or staff member, and it did not release identifying details because of privacy laws. Wellington Community High School is part of the School District of Palm Beach County. (wpbf.com) Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is one of the most contagious diseases. The agency says symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after infection. (cdc.gov) Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes, and a rash typically follows after the first symptoms. The school’s notice to families also mentioned small white spots in the mouth, known as Koplik spots. (cdc.gov) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,748 confirmed measles cases in the United States as of April 16, 2026, across 33 jurisdictions. The agency said 94% of those cases were linked to outbreaks. (cdc.gov) In Florida, state health data show 12 measles cases were recorded in 2024, the latest full-year total displayed on Florida Health Charts. Separate Florida immunization data show statewide kindergarten coverage at 88.9% in 2026. (flhealthcharts.gov 1) (flhealthcharts.gov 2) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective against measles, while one dose is 93% effective. The school notice cited Florida health guidance saying people with a full measles, mumps and rubella series are unlikely to get sick. (cdc.gov) (wptv.com) School officials told parents to keep children home and call a medical provider if they develop fever, cough, runny nose, or red eyes. For now, the district says Wellington Community High School remains open and it will update families if that changes. (wptv.com)