ATL Standard

The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in the Metro Atlanta area. Measles is known for its high contagion rate, spreading through airborne particles when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person departs.

Symptoms typically emerge 7 to 14 days post-exposure and often include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. A rash follows, beginning at the head and progressing downwards across the body.

The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles and rubella. It is both safe and effective according to health experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that children receive their first MMR dose between 12-15 months old, with a second dose administered between ages 4-6. "More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses," states CDC guidelines. A second dose enhances immunity levels to approximately 98%.

Individuals displaying measles symptoms are urged to contact their healthcare provider promptly but should refrain from visiting medical facilities without prior notification due to potential contagion risks. Healthcare providers suspecting measles should alert public health authorities immediately.

This incident marks Georgia's first reported measles case in 2025, following six cases reported in the previous year.

Further information about measles can be accessed at https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.