Introduction to Disease Surveillance
Disease-tracking information in Florida is available again, allowing residents to learn about outbreaks in their county once more.
Florida Department of Health surveillance data, which previously made public the number of current cases of each vaccine-preventable disease by county, had been removed from the state website for several months. The removal, disclosed earlier this month by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, came shortly after a measles case was reported in Miami in March. Measles is among the most contagious diseases in the world, and case counts in the United States are spiking with more than 1,000 reported in 2025.
Importance of Surveillance Data
Florida’s chart, which contains current trends for communicable diseases, has long been relied upon by epidemiologists and medical professionals for tracking purposes. It includes up-to-date information on outbreaks in Florida, such as measles, mpox and Hepatitis A. Department of Health spokeswoman Isabel Kilman did not respond to the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s multiple requests for an explanation of why the chart had been removed, but she told the Tallahassee Democrat that the website was undergoing an upgrade. It doesn’t appear that any functions of the chart have changed.
Current Trends in Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Here are some key tracking points the chart now reveals about vaccine preventable diseases:
- A child in Broward County less than 4 years old contracted measles in April, marking the second case in South Florida in two months. The child acquired the disease outside of the U.S.
- Broward leads the state in new cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). Thirteen cases of mpox have been reported in Florida so far this year, three in Broward County. In 2022, Florida was part of a nationwide outbreak of monkeypox.
- 14 cases of leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) have been reported in Florida in 2025. In August 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned travelers that leprosy cases in Florida were surging. At the time, Florida was among the top reporting states with nearly 30 cases. The BCG vaccine, while primarily for TB, can offer some protection against leprosy, particularly if someone in the household has leprosy.
- The state has been grappling with a massive rise in pertussis (whooping cough). There have been 614 cases reported in Florida since January. To date in 2025, the CDC has reported over 8,000 cases of whooping cough, a more than two-fold increase from the same time last year. The CDC recommends whooping cough vaccines for people of all ages.
- Already in 2025, 63 cases of Hepatitis A have been reported in the state. Florida has grappled with a spread of Hepatitis A for several years, predating the pandemic. In 2019, Florida experienced a statewide outbreak with more than 2,000 cases reported.
Role of Surveillance in Public Health
Dr. Aileen Marty, a professor at Florida International University and an expert in infectious disease and disaster medicine, said surveillance plays a vital role in public health. “It’s important for clinicians and families to know when something is spreading for which we have a prevention,” said Marty, with Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. “Having good and timely information makes a huge difference in diagnosing a case earlier and helping parents make decisions or take action.”
Impact of Vaccination Rates
Tracking disease spread has become more critical as vaccination rates have dropped. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, only 88.1% of kindergartners in Florida were vaccinated against measles in the 2023-2024 school year. Herd immunity for measles requires a 95% vaccination rate. Florida’s rate is one of the lowest in the nation.
Guiding Parents on Vaccination
Florida’s pediatricians say that real-time surveillance helps them guide parents in making informed decisions about vaccination. “We end up playing catch-up after a child contracts a vaccine-preventable illness, and then we start looking at who else is vulnerable and start offering vaccines,” said Jennifer Takagishi, professor of pediatrics and division chief of General Academic Pediatrics at the University of South Florida.
Conclusion
Florida’s surveillance chart tracks close to 100 diseases, indicating the age range, county, diagnosis status and whether the person acquired the disease inside Florida, inside the U.S. or outside the U.S. The availability of this data is crucial for public health, and its removal had caused concern among medical professionals. Now that it is available again, residents can stay informed about outbreaks in their area and take necessary precautions.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of measles cases in Florida?
A: There have been two cases of measles reported in South Florida in the past two months, with the most recent case being a child in Broward County. - Q: What is the significance of the surveillance chart in Florida?
A: The chart provides up-to-date information on outbreaks in Florida, including measles, mpox, and Hepatitis A, which is crucial for epidemiologists, medical professionals, and the general public. - Q: Why is vaccination important in preventing the spread of diseases?
A: Vaccination is essential in preventing the spread of diseases, and a high vaccination rate is necessary to achieve herd immunity. In the case of measles, a 95% vaccination rate is required for herd immunity. - Q: How can I stay informed about disease outbreaks in my area?
A: You can stay informed about disease outbreaks in your area by checking the Florida Department of Health website, which provides up-to-date information on communicable diseases in the state. - Q: What is the role of pediatricians in guiding parents on vaccination?
A: Pediatricians play a crucial role in guiding parents on vaccination by providing them with timely and accurate information about vaccine-preventable diseases and helping them make informed decisions about vaccination.
