ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Health department officials are closely monitoring the first confirmed case of measles in St. Petersburg after a student at a local high school tested positive for the highly contagious virus.

St. Petersburg Catholic High confirmed this week that a sophomore student has the disease. The school notified parents that the student has not been on campus since January 27, and so far, officials are unaware of any additional cases within the student body. 

Measles case confirmed at St. Pete Catholic High School

The school said it’s working with the health department.

Why you should care:

For many local doctors, the reappearance of the virus is a shift in the medical landscape. Dr. Patrick Mularoni, a pediatric ER physician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, said the absence of the virus for decades has made its return particularly notable for health care providers.

“I’ve been practicing in the pediatric emergency room for 20 years. I’ve seen over 50,000 patients, and I have never seen measles,” Mularoni said. “That’s something I worry about because most providers have never seen it.”

University of Florida investigating possible measles exposure after cases reported in Alachua County

Now that the virus is back in the community, Mularoni warns that its contagious nature makes rapid spread a near-certainty in unvaccinated populations.

“If you’re in a room with somebody with measles, and you’re not vaccinated, there’s like a 90% chance that you’re going to catch it,” he explained.

Dig deeper:

The St. Pete case is just one piece of a larger puzzle forming across the state. In Southwest Florida, Ave Maria University is grappling with 20 confirmed cases. Meanwhile, in Gainesville, the University of Florida is performing contact tracing for two classes where exposure may have occurred.

Nationally, the trend is equally alarming. The CDC reported this week that the U.S. has seen 733 cases so far this year. Compared to the historical average of 180 cases per year, the 2026 surge represents a massive spike.

HEALTH: Women’s No. 1 killer in focus as dozens walk Bayshore Boulevard on National Wear Red Day

Experts point to “vaccine hesitancy” as the primary driver.

“Unfortunately, we have less and less people getting vaccinated,” Mularoni said. “When the population isn’t vaccinated, a condition like measles can spread very easily.”

Measles symptoms and incubation

Doctors warn that the long incubation period makes the virus difficult to contain. It can take 7-14 days after exposure before a person feels sick. Initial symptoms often mimic a common cold:

• Runny nose and cough
• Fever
• Red, watery eyes

The “hallmark” measles rash typically doesn’t appear until four days after the initial symptoms begin. This means individuals can be contagious before they even realize they have the virus.

What you can do:

The greatest risk is to those who cannot be protected by medicine. Babies are not eligible for the measles vaccine until they reach 12 months of age, leaving them entirely dependent on the “herd immunity” of the adults and older children around them.

MORE: Smartwatch Health Alerts: Tampa cardiologist shares when to see a doctor

“If you’re a parent of a young child or if you’ve chosen not to vaccinate your children, you should make sure to stay away from sick people right now,” Mularoni advised. “We don’t know how this is going to spread in the community.”

For those who have been vaccinated, doctors said the measles vaccine provides lifelong immunity, and doctors say boosters are not necessary.

Sure its cold outside and swimming in the Gulf is unlikely but there is another reason to skip the dip.

Recent tests of Gulf waters in North Naples shows bacteria contamination and health officials advise against all water-related activity.

The state Department of Health in Collier County said testing conducted Feb. 4 indicates that the water quality at North Gulf Shore beach access at Clam Pass does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommend by the state health agency.

Enterococcus bacteria signifies fecal contamination that carries health risks.

It often originates from sewage spills, storm runoff, septic systems, and animal waste.

The health department advises against any water-related activities at this location  due to increased risk of illness.

Sampling is done on a regular basis.

 Swimming in infected water can cause a range of gastrointestinal illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever.

Symptoms typically start one to 10 days after exposure. In some cases, Enterococcus can cause more severe infections like urinary tract infections or endocarditis, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

For more information, visit  FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches or visit collier.floridahealth.gov.

Liz Freeman is a health care reporter. Reach her by emailing lfreeman@naplesnews.com 

Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.   

TAMPA, Fla. – Opening night at the Florida State Fair brought high-flying rides, fried food and hundreds of families to Tampa on Thursday night.

What we know:

Organizers expect more than 400,000 people to visit the fairgrounds, as the annual event runs through Feb. 16. 

This year’s theme, “America’s Sunniest Celebration,” honors the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.

One familiar face is Gage Sears, a fourth-generation vendor at the Florida State Fair. He described all the sweet treats he sells in his booth.

Florida State Fair debuts new foods for 2026

“Funnel cakes, Oreos, slushies, lemonade, anything sweet,” Sears said.

He says rides and food go hand in hand, especially on opening night.

“Rides are a big thing, but everyone gets hungry when you’re enjoying the thrill of everything,” Sears said. “They’re coming out and eating good food, fair food.”

What they’re saying:

Crystal Gunn attended opening night with her twin daughters, Brianna and Tianna, to celebrate their 15th birthday. 

She says it’s become a family tradition.

“We do this every year,” Gunn said. “We come to the fair every year on its first day.”

Opening night came with temperatures dropping and gusty winds. 

Nevertheless, Gunn and hundreds of other visitors chose to brave the cold.

“I’m a true Floridian, so this is cold for us,” she said. “I’m not used to this kind of cold, but we’ll get through it.”

New Attractions:

Among the new attractions this year is the world’s largest portable observation wheel. 

The Ferris wheel stands at 230 feet tall and features 45 gondolas, each themed after a U.S. president.

Hope Thaler says the fair’s wide variety of attractions offers something for everyone.

READ: Florida’s new ‘America 250’ license plate design catching drivers’ attention

“I’ve been coming to the state fair since I was a kid,” she said. “So it’s very well-rounded.”

From rides, games, animals and live music, Joshua Lewis says the fair is all about making memories.

“Riding the rides was fun,” Lewis said. “From the animals to everything, it’s a great atmosphere.”

By the numbers:

Security remains a major focus throughout the fairgrounds. 

More than 1,000 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies will work the fair over the next 11 days on foot, bike and horseback.

Organizers are also reminded families that kids under 17 must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. each night.

If you are interested in attending the fair and want to map out your visit, just click here.