As a cluster of measles cases grew in an elementary school in southern Florida, the state’s surgeon general sent a letter to parents that contradicted widespread medical guidance about how to keep the disease from spreading. Doctors and health officials typically recommend that children who are not vaccinated for measles isolate for 21 days after they have been exposed at school. However, the state Department of Health “is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance,” the letter, sent to parents at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Fla., continued. Dr. Ladapo added that these recommendations might change in the future and stressed that children with measles symptoms should not go to school. As of Friday, there were six confirmed cases at the school, according to Broward County Public Schools.

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Persons: Joseph Ladapo, of Health “, Ladapo Organizations: of Health, Manatee Bay Elementary, Broward County Public Schools Locations: Florida, Weston , Fla, Broward