PINECREST, Fla. — As an outbreak of measles in Texas has sickened more than 100 people and resulted in the death of an unvaccinated child, Florida has reported its first case of 2025. 

The Miami Dade School District confirmed Tuesday in a letter to parents that a student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School was diagnosed with measles. 10 Tampa Bay was able to obtain the letter thanks to CBS Miami. 

“While the risk of transmission may be low for vaccinated individuals, we are taking all necessary precautions while working closely with local health authorities to ensure the health and safety of our school community,” the letter said in part. 

Measles, or Rubeola, is an illness caused by “one of the most contagious viruses,” according to the Florida Department of Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the disease is airborne and extremely infectious, often causing a rash. 

Symptoms of measles typically appear between seven to 14 days after a person has come in contact with the virus and include the following:

• High fever up to 105 degrees
• Red, watery eyes
• Cough
• Runny nose

The most common symptom, however, is a rash that typically develops on the face and neck but can also spread to the entire body. A measles rash usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms.

• Children and adults who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions
• Infants under 12 months
• Pregnant women

In some cases, measles can cause severe illnesses including pneumonia or encephalitis, though the later is more rare. 

Do not go to your doctor, a hospital, urgent care or other health care provider without contacting them before going. You can also contact the local county health department. 

Once you do, you’ll be given instructions on how to get medical attention while not exposing others to the virus.