Measles Outbreak at Florida University Sparks Concern

Social media influencer physician highlights vaccination rates and risks of outbreaks

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A measles outbreak at Ave Maria University in Florida has prompted a social media influencer and ER doctor, Dr. Meghan Martin, to speak out about the importance of vaccination. The outbreak has resulted in 54 cases out of 1,300 students, with 7 currently contagious and 50 recovered with natural immunity. Dr. Martin emphasizes that measles is highly contagious, and outbreaks are likely to continue as vaccination rates decline nationwide.

Why it matters

The measles outbreak at Ave Maria University highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining high vaccination rates, especially in close-knit communities like college campuses. As vaccination rates drop, the risk of preventable disease outbreaks increases, putting vulnerable populations like the unvaccinated, immunocompromised, and young children at greater risk.

The details

According to the university's updates, the measles outbreak at Ave Maria University has resulted in 54 cases out of around 1,300 students, with 7 currently contagious and 50 recovered with natural immunity. Dr. Meghan Martin, a social media influencer and ER physician, has used her platform to discuss the outbreak and the broader implications of declining vaccination rates. She emphasizes that measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room, putting unvaccinated individuals at risk of contracting the disease.

  • On January 29, Ave Maria University confirmed the first cases of measles on campus.
  • As of February 10, the university reported 54 cases, with 7 students currently contagious and 50 recovered with natural immunity.
  • On February 11, the university updated that 7 students are currently contagious and 50 are no longer contagious and have natural immunity after having measles.

The players

Dr. Meghan Martin

A pediatric emergency room physician in St. Petersburg, Florida, with 3.5 million social media followers, who has been speaking out about the measles outbreak at Ave Maria University and the importance of vaccination.

Ave Maria University

A Catholic university located in eastern Collier County, Florida, where a measles outbreak has occurred, affecting over 50 students.

Anthony Musingo

A certified physician assistant at Mater Dei Clinic in Ave Maria, who stated that there are no signs of panic among local residents, likely due to their vaccination status.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

The administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who has been urging unvaccinated Americans to get the measles vaccine as cases spread across the U.S.

Joseph Ladapo

The Florida state Surgeon General, who announced plans to eliminate vaccine requirements for children to attend public school, although he does not have the authority to do so for all vaccines, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

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What they’re saying

“So when we think about risks for outbreaks, we think about lots of people who are close together so dorms, barracks, prisons, nursing homes are all high risk for things like outbreaks.”

— Dr. Meghan Martin, Pediatric Emergency Room Physician (Instagram)

“As the measles vaccination rate continues to plummet we are going to continue to see increase in measles cases and we're going to see outbreaks, especially in larger groups of unvaccinated people.”

— Dr. Meghan Martin, Pediatric Emergency Room Physician (Instagram)

“Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem. Not all illnesses are equally dangerous, and not all people are equally susceptible to those illnesses. But measles is one you should get your vaccine (for).”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz (CNN)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.