ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a metro Atlanta resident is the latest person in the Peach State to be diagnosed with measles.
The agency said the infected individual was exposed while traveling outside the country. They were not fully vaccinated, DPH said.
The state health department is still identifying anyone who may have been in contact with them while they were infectious to prevent the spread of the virus.
This is the fifth reported measles case in Georgia in 2024. The last reported case was in April.
More about Measles
- Measles is contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 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 appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, typically including high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
How to prevent Measles
According to DHP, measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 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 old.
The department said that more than 95% of people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%.
The state department said that those with symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately before going to the office or a public health clinic.
Healthcare providers who suspect measles in a patient are asked to notify public health immediately.
