Measles Outbreak Hits Ave Maria University in Florida

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by Teddy Rosenbluth

February 13, 2026

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A measles outbreak at Ave Maria University in Florida has sickened over 40 people, marking the largest such occurrence on a U.S. college campus in recent history. This development has raised alarms among public health experts and university officials, highlighting concerns about the vulnerability of unvaccinated students to measles, traditionally seen as a childhood illness. The outbreak underscores the growing threat of measles resurging on campuses, particularly due to personal or religious exemptions that allow some students to bypass mandatory vaccination requirements. The situation at Ave Maria follows other notable outbreaks this year, including cases at Clemson University and Anderson University in South Carolina, where over 80 students were quarantined. Similarly, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Florida have reported exposures, demonstrating how quickly measles can spread in densely populated settings. While most colleges require proof of vaccination, many permit exemptions based on personal or religious beliefs. Dr. Sarah Van Orman of the American College Health Association notes that an increasing number of students are opting for these exemptions, leaving campuses more susceptible to outbreaks. Experts warn that measles, once thought to be nearly eradicated in the U.S., is making a comeback due to declining vaccination rates. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, nearly all children contracted the disease by age 15, leading to widespread immunity. However, today’s younger generations have less natural immunity,

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/13/2026