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Florida Department Of Health

All articles tagged with #florida department of health

Florida records fourth Vibrio vulnificus death in Broward County
health27 days ago

Florida records fourth Vibrio vulnificus death in Broward County

A fourth Florida resident has died from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium often called 'flesh-eating' bacteria, according to the Florida Department of Health. The latest fatality involves a person aged 75 to 79 in Broward County. The state has confirmed 21 cases of the infection in 2026. While most people contract the disease by eating raw or undercooked oysters, exposure can also occur through open wounds in contaminated water. Health officials warn that bloodstream infections are fatal approximately 50% of the time, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.

Florida records fourth Vibrio vulnificus death in Broward County
health27 days ago

Florida records fourth Vibrio vulnificus death in Broward County

A fourth Florida resident has died from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium often linked to raw oysters. The victim, aged 75 to 79, lived in Broward County. Florida has reported 21 cases in 2026, with deaths also occurring in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties. Health officials warn that bloodstream infections are fatal in about 50% of cases, particularly for those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions.

Florida dengue cases surge: 32 new locally acquired infections push yearly total to 73
health1 month ago

Florida dengue cases surge: 32 new locally acquired infections push yearly total to 73

Dengue fever cases in Florida have risen, with 32 new locally acquired infections reported in the past week, bringing the statewide total to 73 for the year as of Aug. 29. The Florida Department of Health is monitoring multiple mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, and about 10 counties are under mosquito-borne illness advisories or alerts. Officials urge precautions to prevent bites (drain standing water, cover up, and use repellents) as Brevard County and other areas issue warnings during mosquito season.

Florida Moves to Loosen School Vaccine Rules and Expand Exemptions
politics-and-government1 month ago

Florida Moves to Loosen School Vaccine Rules and Expand Exemptions

Florida proposes a rule to allow children to enroll in public and private schools and daycares without four vaccines (hepatitis B, varicella, Hib, pneumococcal conjugate) and to broaden exemptions to include general moral/ethical beliefs. If approved, the change could affect herd immunity and faces opposition from religious and public-health groups; public comment is open through mid-September. The move comes amid measles outbreaks and a Florida vaccination rate around 89%, with national debates over immunization schedules and exemptions continuing.

Gulf Coast sees third fatal Vibrio case as Florida reports uptick in vibriosis
public-health1 month ago

Gulf Coast sees third fatal Vibrio case as Florida reports uptick in vibriosis

Florida health officials report a third death from Vibrio vulnificus infections in the past month, with 17 confirmed vibriosis cases across 12 counties. The flesh-eating bacteria live in warm coastal waters and can cause severe illness from seawater exposure or raw shellfish. Cases tend to spike after hurricanes that leave standing water; the latest fatality occurred in Bay County. Officials advise caution with open wounds and seafood and to seek prompt medical care for wound infections.

Measles Worries Grow in Ave Maria as Public Health Communication Lags
health6 months ago

Measles Worries Grow in Ave Maria as Public Health Communication Lags

An on‑the‑ground look at Ave Maria, Florida, where a measles outbreak linked to Ave Maria University has spread beyond campus, with 100+ county cases (88 confirmed, 16 probable) and rising counts among teens and young children; public updates from officials have been sparse, prompting local leaders including a former HHS aide to coordinate messaging and vaccination efforts, while experts warn that limited communication can hinder outbreak control and public trust.

Rabid Bat Found in Escambia County Park Prompts Advisory
health-and-safety2 years ago

Rabid Bat Found in Escambia County Park Prompts Advisory

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has issued a rabies advisory after a bat tested positive for rabies in Tippin Park. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid contact with wild animals, immunize pets, and take precautions to prevent rabies exposure. If bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical attention and report the incident to local authorities.

Rabies Alert: Infected Cat Prompts 60-Day Warning in Palm Coast
health2 years ago

Rabies Alert: Infected Cat Prompts 60-Day Warning in Palm Coast

The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County has issued a 60-day rabies alert for parts of Palm Coast after a cat tested positive for rabies. The alert covers specific boundaries in Flagler County and serves as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals and humans. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid contact with wildlife, ensure pets are vaccinated, and take precautions to prevent exposure to rabies. If bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, individuals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Department of Health.

"Florida's Measles Outbreak: Updates and Prevention Measures"
health2 years ago

"Florida's Measles Outbreak: Updates and Prevention Measures"

Orlando Health has confirmed four measles cases at its Central Florida emergency departments, including one in an adult and three in children under 2 years old. The Florida Department of Health has reported 10 measles cases in 2024, with concerns raised over the state's response and transparency. While there is no local spread of measles in Orlando, criticism has emerged over the state's top health official's handling of the situation, including conflicting advice on keeping unvaccinated children home. Vaccination remains highly effective in preventing measles, with 97% protection against disease transmission.

"Florida Department of Health Faces Criticism Over Measles Response Amid Surge in Cases"
health2 years ago

"Florida Department of Health Faces Criticism Over Measles Response Amid Surge in Cases"

Amid ongoing measles outbreaks in Florida schools, the state's Department of Health has released an updated statement, deferring to parents to make decisions about school attendance despite CDC guidance for unvaccinated children to stay home for up to 21 days in the event of potential exposure. The agency noted that details of the investigations are confidential and criticized media outlets for reporting false information and politicizing the outbreak. Doctors have expressed support for measles vaccinations and cautioned against sending unvaccinated kids to school during an outbreak, while the school board is working with state and local health departments to address the situation.

Measles Outbreak at Broward Elementary School Raises Concerns
health2 years ago

Measles Outbreak at Broward Elementary School Raises Concerns

A fifth case of measles has been confirmed at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Broward County, bringing the total number of cases to five. The Florida Department of Health is investigating the multiple cases, and the school district is working closely with them to address the situation. Measles is highly contagious, and the school has taken preventive measures such as deep cleaning and replacing air filters. The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is required for students attending public schools in Florida.

"Measles Outbreak Grows at Broward Elementary School"
health-education2 years ago

"Measles Outbreak Grows at Broward Elementary School"

Four students at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida have been confirmed to have measles, with three additional cases since the first confirmation. The school district is working closely with the Florida Department of Health to follow guidelines and safeguard the community. While 92% of the school's 1,067 students are vaccinated, 85 students are not. Medical experts urge parents of unvaccinated children who may have been exposed to contact their pediatrician, as measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe symptoms. The school has been deep-cleaned, and the district is awaiting guidance from the health department on how to proceed.

Measles Outbreak: Cases Rise to 7 at Broward County Elementary Schools
health2 years ago

Measles Outbreak: Cases Rise to 7 at Broward County Elementary Schools

Broward County Public Schools confirms four measles cases at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida, prompting close collaboration with the Florida Department of Health. The school's principal is keeping families informed and following health department guidelines. Measles, a highly contagious disease, presents with symptoms including high fever, cough, and a distinct red, dotted rash. The situation reflects a broader trend of rising measles cases in the U.S., attributed in part to vaccine hesitancy.

Measles Confirmed at Broward County Elementary School
health2 years ago

Measles Confirmed at Broward County Elementary School

A case of measles has been confirmed at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, prompting Broward County Public Schools to work with the Florida Department of Health in Broward to address the situation and ensure the safety of students and staff. The school's leadership is communicating with families and taking necessary precautions in accordance with health department guidance.