FAU Public Health 

Trending with the CDC

(Updated 02/02/2026)
 

Measles 

Measles is an upper respiratory disease caused by the measles virus.  It is one of the most, if not the most contagious virus of humans.  It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.  Infected persons can spread the virus to others from four days before up through four days after a rash appears on the body.  The measles virus is spread from person to person by breathing contaminated air or touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves the area. 

Measles was eliminated in the US as of 2000, with infections after that point being derived from imported cases.  However, measles has seen a resurgence in the US over the past few years due to reduced rates of vaccination.   The measles vaccine (two doses) is 97% effective at preventing measles.

Usually, measles disease will resolve on its own.  However, a number of mild to serious complications can occur due to measles infection, occurring mostly in unvaccinated children <5 years old and adults >20 years old. Complications can range from respiratory problems to encephalitis and death.  

CDC Recommendations for Measles Prevention

Visit a doctor to confirm measles vaccination or immunity from prior infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.

For more information on measles disease, please visit the CDC Info Webpage on Measles and the Florida Department of Health Webpage on Measles.

For up-to-date information on current outbreaks, please visit the CDC Webpage on Measles Cases and Outbreaks.  

H5N1 Avian Flu

H5N1 avian flu is widespread among wild birds worldwide and has caused outbreaks on poultry and cattle farms in numerous US states.  Several recent human cases have also been identified.  Symptoms include typical flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, lethargy, sore throat, runny nose) and range from mild to severe.  However, a common theme with H5N1 in humans has been the predominance of conjunctivitis.  There has been one (1) reported death in the US from H5N1 infection.  

 The CDC indicates that the current public health risk is low, but it is working with local health departments to monitor individuals with animal exposure.  

There has been no recorded person-to-person spread of H5N1.  

For additional information on H5N1 avian flu, please visit the CDC Webpage on H5 Bird Flu

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, West Nile, and Yellow Fever have been known to occur in Florida.  These diseases are spread through the bite of mosquitoes. Most cases have been associated with travel to countries where these diseases are endemic.  However, several mosquito species found in Florida can transmit diseases to humans and animals.  

Of note, cases of Dengue appear to be on the rise in Florida.  While not considered to be endemic (established) yet, locally transmitted infections have been documented over the last few years.  This suggests that Dengue may become endemic at some point.  

Prevention of mosquito-borne diseases is achieved by draining any standing water near your home to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying; covering your skin with clothing and using mosquito repellent; and installing screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out.  

More information on mosquito-borne diseases in Florida is available on the Florida Department of Health Webpage on Mosquito-borne Diseases.  


Public Health Resources

FAU Resources

Florida Department of Health Web Links

Infectious Diseases

FAU Tabacco-Free Campus

 

For more information regarding Public Health at FAU, please contact EH&S at ehs@fau.edu.