Second reported case of measles being investigated in Florida
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - The Florida Department of Health are investigating after a second case of measles was reported in Florida.
Officials in Pinellas County announced Wednesday that a 72-year-old man was showing symptoms after he recently took a trip to Asia.
There has been an uptick in measles outbreaks across the country in the past few months.
New York City health officials on Wednesday reported 61 new cases since late last week, pushing this year's nationwide tally past the 667 cases reported for all of 2014. That would make 2019 the worst year for measles since 1994.
Health officials in Florida reported the first case in the state last month involving a man from Broward County.
The number of cases is likely to rise. Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. And in recent days, Jewish families have been gathering for Passover meals. It can take 10 to 12 days for symptoms to develop.
The CDC recommends the vaccine for every American over a year old.