Health
Florida schools see measles cases grow, urge vaccination for 'public health threat'
![Florida schools see measles cases grow, urge vaccination for 'public health threat' Florida schools see measles cases grow, urge vaccination for 'public health threat'](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/Measles-Vaccine.jpg)
A measles outbreak in Florida has health officials urging vaccinations.
On Tuesday, Florida Department of Health Officials confirmed another measles case in Broward County, bringing the total number of cases in that county to nine. Of them, seven cases were from Manatee Bay Elementary in Weston, WSVN-TV reports.
“As of now, all confirmed cases for Broward County Public Schools are specific to Manatee Bay Elementary with no other district schools impacted,” Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Peter Licata said during a press conference.
AMID FLORIDA MEASLES OUTBREAK, SURGEON GENERAL LETS PARENTS DECIDE WHETHER TO SEND UNVACCINATED KIDS TO SCHOOL
One measles case has also been reported in Polk County.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz held her own press conference Tuesday, when she called on Gov. Ron. DeSantis to fire the state’s Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo after he issued a letter to parents Friday deferring them “to make decisions about school attendance” amid the outbreak.
A photo illustration shows the skin of a patient afflicted with measles. (iStock)
“I want to make clear today that our state leaders our failing us on this front,” Wasserman Schultz said. “Measles is a public health threat to Florida and so is Joe Ladapo.”
Typical guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is for unvaccinated children who have not had the measles to stay home for up to 21 days in the event of a potential exposure at school.
FLORIDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONFIRMS 6TH CASE OF MEASLES AMID OUTBREAK
“However, due to the high immunity rate in the community, as well as the burden on families and educational cost of healthy children missing school, DOH is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance,” Ladapo’s letter stated.
![MMR vaccine](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/10/1200/675/MMR-vaccine.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. (iStock)
Deferring to parents of unvaccinated children is sparking criticism from doctors in Florida and around the country, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Rana Alissa, the academy’s Florida vice president, said on Friday that the state should follow the CDC guidelines “for the safety of our kids.”
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Allowing unvaccinated children to attend during the outbreak not only endangers them, but others who might have compromised immune systems and could later catch it from them, she said, according to The Associated Press.
“When you have an outbreak, to contain it you have to follow the public health and safety recommendations, not give people a choice,” she said. “Frankly, giving people a choice is what got us here.”
![Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2021/10/1200/675/JOSEPH-LADAPO.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Amid measles outbreaks in various parts of the U.S., Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has issued guidance to parents regarding kids’ school attendance. He also said, “This recommendation may change as epidemiological investigations continue.” (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/Sipa USA/Sipa via AP Images)
People who have had the full series of the measles, mumps and rubella immunization or who have had a prior infection are 98% protected against the highly contagious virus, the doctor noted.
Those who do not have immunity have a 90% chance of contracting measles.
About 30% of students at Manatee Bay Elementary are unvaccinated, according to WSVN.
The school district is urging all unvaccinated students to get the measles vaccine, the media outlet reports, adding that 82 students were absent from school on Tuesday.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
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Health
What Happens If You Eat Eggs Every Day? Nutritionists Share the Benefits
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Health
Ask a doctor: ‘I swallowed a bug — now what should I do?'
![Ask a doctor: ‘I swallowed a bug — now what should I do?' Ask a doctor: ‘I swallowed a bug — now what should I do?'](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/ask-doc-swallow-bug.jpg)
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.”
ASK A DOCTOR: ‘HOW CAN I PREVENT SCARRING FROM BUG BITES AND POISON IVY?’
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.
![Ask a Doc - swallow bug](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/ask-doc-swallow-bug.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
“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 points to the crowd in a sparkly pink outfit during the Eras Tour](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/b1fa4117-taylor-swift.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
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.
Health
“I’m a Dietitian, and Here’s Why an Overly Restrictive Diet Can Backfire”
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