The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident from the metro Atlanta area. DPH is currently working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the individual between January 19-24, 2025, when they were contagious. The person contracted the virus while traveling within the U.S.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash of small red spots that begins on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old. One dose of the vaccine provides immunity to over 95% of people, and a second dose boosts that protection to about 98%.
If you or someone you know develops symptoms of measles, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider right away. Do not go to a doctor’s office, hospital, or public health clinic without first calling ahead to inform them of your symptoms. Healthcare providers who suspect a measles case are required to report it to public health authorities.
This is the first reported case of measles in Georgia for 2025. In 2024, there were six reported cases statewide.
