1st GA Measles Case Since 2020 Reported In Metro Atlanta: DPS

ATLANTA — For the first time in four years, a Georgia resident has been diagnosed with measles, the Georgia Department of Public Health said Thursday.

An unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident was exposed to measles while traveling internationally, public health officials said in a news release.

The department is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the person during the period of infection, public health officials said. They noted the last reported case of measles in Georgia was in 2020.

Measles, a contagious virus, can spread through the air via coughing or sneezing, public health officials said. It can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person has exited the room, public health officials said.

Symptoms of the virus, starting at the head, take about a week or two after contact to appear in an infected person. A high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash are symptoms of the virus, public health officials said.

"Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective," public health officials said in the release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old, public health officials said.

"More than 95 percent of the 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 percent," public health officials said.

Anyone who may have symptoms of the measles are asked to call ahead to their physician's office before arriving for care. Public health officials ask health-care providers to notify the Department of Public Health immediately if a patient has suspected measles.