August 19, 2026
DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed measles in an unvaccinated resident of metro Atlanta. At this time, there is no known travel history or exposure to someone infected with measles. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the individual while the individual was infectious.
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. For babies aged 6-11 months traveling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.
Read the full press release at https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-08-18/dph-confirms-measles-case-georgia-mmr-vaccine-safe-and-effective.