DPH confirms measles case in Georgia

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Health announces a confirmed case of measles in Georgia that occurred in an individual who was not fully vaccinated.

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The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in a metro Atlanta resident who was not fully vaccinated. The person contracted measles while traveling internationally. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the person while he or she was infectious.

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Then a rash with tiny, red spots breaks out, starting on the head and spreading to the rest of the body.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. More than 95% of people who receive a single dose of MMR develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically increasing protection to 98%.

People with measles symptoms should contact their doctor immediately. NOT go to the doctor, hospital or public health clinic without Call first to let them know about your symptoms. Healthcare Providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify the public health department immediately.

This is the fifth reported case of measles in Georgia in 2024.

For more information about measles, see