3 New Measles Cases Confirmed, Cobb County Exposure Possible

ATLANTA, GA — Eleven cases of measles have been confirmed in Georgia this year, more cases of the potentially fatal disease than have been seen in all of the last ten years, health authorities say. Three new cases of the highly contagious disease were diagnosed in Cobb County residents who may have exposed others to the measles between Oct. 30 and Nov. 13, officials said on Friday.

At least two of the three patients are unvaccinated, and the vaccination history of the third is unclear. These measles patients may have exposed other people to the disease, so health officials are notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and may be at increased risk for developing measles.

Last weekend, another case of measles was confirmed in Cobb County. It is highly likely these cases are all related, the state said in a news release, but the investigation into any connection is ongoing. So far this year, there are 11 confirmed cases of measles in Georgia — more cases than in the previous decade combined.

“These additional cases of measles should be highly concerning for anyone who is not vaccinated with MMR. Measles is a serious disease, one which can lead to dangerous complications, even death,” said Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey with the Georgia Department of Public Health. “The MMR vaccine is safe and about 97 percent effective in preventing measles. Vaccination is strongly advised for individuals not only to protect themselves, but to protect vulnerable populations, such as infants who are too young to be vaccinated and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.”

Measles spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets from the nose or mouth become airborne, or land on surfaces where they can live for two hours. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90 percent of the people around the patient will also become infected if they are not vaccinated.

Measles symptoms typically develop 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, but can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after the early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. A person with measles is contagious beginning four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash begins.

Measles has climbed to its highest level in 25 years at 1,261 cases nationwide as of Nov. 7. Federal and state health officials say the resurgence of the disease is tied to misinformation that is turning parents against vaccines.

"Vaccination is paramount to good health, especially when it comes to highly contagious viral infections, like measles. Measles was considered eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 because an effective vaccination program was developed," the Georgia Department of Public Health says.

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

Adults who are not sure about their measles immunity should speak to their health care provider. There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).

People are considered immune to measles if they were born in the United States before 1957, previously had measles or have had two measles vaccine shots.

Those who are most at risk of complications from measles infection are: pregnant women, infants less than one year old, and those who are immune compromised.

People with symptoms of measles should contact their health care provider immediately. Do not go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms, state health officials warn. Health care providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.

For more information about measles and measles vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.