Ave Maria University in southwest Florida has reported more than 40 cases of measles among its students, marking the largest outbreak of the disease on an American college campus in recent memory. The outbreak is part of a troubling national trend, with over 2,280 confirmed measles infections across the country in 2025 and more than 900 cases reported already in 2026. Health officials are emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, warning that measles can cause severe complications, including 'irreversible' brain damage.

While the majority of affected students have since gained natural immunity after recovering from the contagious period, the incidents at Ave Maria University reflect a troubling rise in measles cases that has also seen other institutions, such as Clemson University and the University of Florida, reporting isolated cases. Quarantine measures have had to be enacted in these instances to prevent further spread, highlighting the ongoing risk of outbreaks within campus communities.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is actively monitoring the situation and has encouraged vaccination as a key preventative measure against measles. With the rising numbers and a notable outbreak occurring in a university setting, public health officials are urging students and faculty to remain vigilant and prioritize vaccination to curb the trend of increasing measles cases in the nation.