The Georgia Department of Public Health announced on May 19 that three members of a metro Atlanta family have been diagnosed with measles. The family, who was not vaccinated, had recently traveled internationally and developed symptoms after returning home.
This announcement is significant as measles is highly contagious and can spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area. DPH said it is working to identify anyone who may have come into contact with these individuals since their return.
Symptoms of measles typically appear between seven and fourteen days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The department said that people experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately but should not visit medical facilities without calling ahead first.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is described as safe and effective in preventing measles. According to DPH guidance included in its statement: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.” For babies aged six to eleven months traveling internationally, CDC recommends one dose before travel followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.
DPH reported that more than ninety-five percent of people who receive one dose develop immunity against all three viruses; a second dose increases protection to about ninety-eight percent. Vaccinated individuals also help protect those too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.
Including these three cases, there have been five confirmed cases of measles in Georgia so far this year; ten were reported last year. The Georgia Department of Public Health advances public health efforts across the state through various initiatives such as immunizations, vital records services, laboratory testing, disaster preparedness programs, collaboration with local partners statewide—all supported by the official website.
