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Dear Broward County Health Care Providers,
A confirmed case of measles in a third grader, with no history of travel, has been reported to the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward). In that measles are highly contagious, DOH-Broward is notifying facilities that the patient may have visited, individuals who may have been exposed, and you, health care providers in Broward County.
Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. It can be transmitted four days before the rash becomes visible to four days after the rash appears. The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately 8 to 14 days, after a person is exposed to someone with measles, with a range of 7 to 21 days.
Symptoms include:
- Maculopapular rash
- Fever
- Cough
- Coryza
- Conjunctivitis
- Malaise
- Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County is requesting measles testing for anyone that presents with a combination of a generalized, maculopapular rash lasting >3 days, temperature >101.0°F (>38.3°C), and cough, coryza, and/or conjunctivitis. The preferred testing method is a combination of PCR and serologic testing. Please contact DOH-Broward to request a PCR test. Please also test for measles IgM and IgG.
If you suspect measles, please call the DOH-Broward Epidemiology Program immediately at 954-213-0710 during normal business hours and at 954-270-8905 or 954-734-3046 outside of normal business hours.
Sincerely,
 Paula Thaqi MD, MPH
Director
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