Health
Florida elementary school confirms 6th case of measles amid outbreak
A school district in Florida has recorded its sixth case of measles, amid what health officials are calling an outbreak.
Officials at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston confirmed a new measles case on Tuesday, just days after the Florida Department of Health (DOH) said a third grade student at the school was the first to test positive for the infection on Friday.
John Sullivan, chief communications and legislative affairs officer for Broward County Public Schools, said the new case brought the total number of confirmed cases in Broward County Public Schools to six.
“We expect to receive further guidance from the Florida Department of Health tomorrow and will continue to keep the school and its families updated with the latest information,” Sullivan told ABC News on Tuesday.
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A sixth case of measles was reported at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida. (Google Maps)
Sullivan did not provide the grade, age, sex or race/ethnicity of the infected students.
“The District is maintaining close coordination with the Health Department to address this ongoing situation,” Sullivan continued in his statement.
“Over the weekend, the District took further preventive measures by conducting a deep cleaning of the school premises and replacing its air filters,” he added.
Friday’s first reported patient did not have a history of travel, and it is not immediately clear how the infection got to the school, per the DOH.
The measles virus, paramyxoviridae from the Morbillivirus family, remains one of the most infectious diseases and usually spreads in the air. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital reached out to Sullivan and Broward County Schools but did not immediately receive a response.
Weston is located in Broward County, approximately 20 miles west of Fort Lauderdale.
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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of Feb. 15, there have been a total of 20 measles cases reported in 11 states: Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Measles has also made a resurgence across the Atlantic, as U.K. health officials urged millions of parents in January to book their children for missed measles, mumps and rubella shots after they witnessed a sharp increase in the number of measles cases.
There were over 200 confirmed measles cases in England last year, and most cases were in children under 10 years old.
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The cases came as somewhat of a shock as measles was declared eliminated in the U.K. in 2017.
Health experts are warning of a measles outbreak at an elementary school in South Florida. (Google Maps)
According to the World Health Organization and the CDC, measles deaths globally spiked by more than 40% last year.
Measles remains one of the most infectious diseases and usually spreads in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose and a distinctive rash.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Most people have experienced that moment of discomfort when they realize a bug has wound up where it shouldn’t be — in their windpipe.
That includes Taylor Swift, who on more than one occasion has accidentally swallowed a bug while performing on stage in front of thousands of people.
It can be a startling and somewhat disgusting occurrence — but is this dangerous, or just a nuisance?
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Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician in California, shared with Fox News Digital the true impacts of accidentally swallowing a bug, and the best thing to do if it happens.
“Swallowing a bug can often happen accidentally when you’re eating or drinking outside, or if a bug flies into your mouth,” Dasgupta, who serves as chief medical advisor for Fortune Recommends, told Fox News Digital via email.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician in California, discussed the impact of accidentally swallowing a bug — and the best thing to do if it happens. (Sleepoplis)
“It can also happen if you’re talking or laughing outdoors. Sometimes it might even happen indoors if bugs are in your food or drink and you don’t realize it.”
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Swallowing a bug is usually not dangerous, Dasgupta noted.
“The stomach’s digestive acids usually break down the bug, and it is passed out of the body without causing harm,” he said.
“Swallowing a bug can happen accidentally when you’re eating or drinking outside, or if a bug flies into your mouth,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
If the bug carries harmful bacteria or parasites, however, it could cause gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions, according to the doctor.
The type of bug can make a difference, he said.
“Bugs like beetles or ants are less of a concern, but bugs that are known to spread diseases — such as mosquitoes — might be riskier.”
If you happen to swallow a bug, drinking some water can help wash it down, Dasgupta said.
Taylor Swift has announced the accidental swallowing of bugs, mid-concert, on more than one occasion. (Marcelo Endelli/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
“If you start feeling sick, like abdominal pain, vomiting or nausea, keep an eye on your symptoms,” the doctor said.
If you have severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting, trouble breathing, or swelling, rash or itching, Dasgupta said to see a doctor.
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“If you know the bug could have diseases or if you have health conditions that might complicate things, it’s a good idea to get checked out to be safe,” he added.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
Some bugs — including grasshoppers, beetles, termites, mealworms and even stink bugs — are actually considered edible in certain countries, and are prepared and eaten as part of meals, according to WebMD’s website.
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