Georgia confirms 7th measles case of 2026 in unvaccinated resident
Wed, August 19, 2026 at 8:43 AM
Illustration of measles virus infection showing giant multinucleated cells seen during microscopy of biopsy specimens, known as Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells. Photo via Getty Images.
ATLANTA —Georgia health officials have confirmed another case of measles, bringing the state’s total to seven so far this year
The Georgia Department of Public Health says the latest case involves an unvaccinated resident of metro Atlanta
Health officials do not know of any travel history or exposure to someone with measles that would explain how the person became infected
The state is now working to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the person while they were infectious
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 as long as two hours after that person leaves a room
Symptoms generally develop seven to 14 days after exposure
They include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash of small red spots then develops, starting around the head before spreading across the body
Health officials say people who develop measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider immediately
They should not walk into a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic without calling first and warning staff about their symptoms. That allows healthcare workers to take precautions to keep other patients from being exposed
The Department of Public Health is also reminding families that the MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella
The CDC recommends children get their first dose between 12 and 15 months old and a second dose between ages 4 and 6
Georgia health officials say more than 95% of people who get one dose develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose typically increases protection to 98%
Georgia reported 10 confirmed measles cases during all of 2025
