The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in a baby from the Coastal Health District. The infant, who is too young to receive routine vaccination for measles, contracted the virus during international travel. DPH officials are currently working to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the child.
Measles is known for being highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air or remain on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual has left an area.
Symptoms usually develop 7 to 14 days following exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. A rash consisting of small red spots typically begins at the head and spreads downward.
According to health authorities, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is effective in preventing measles as well as rubella. Parents with questions about immunization schedules are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers. “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 6-11 months travelling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.” More than 95% of individuals who receive one dose develop immunity against all three viruses; a second dose further increases protection to approximately 98%.
Vaccination also provides indirect protection to those unable to be vaccinated due to age or medical reasons.
DPH advises anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles to contact their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility in person: “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.” Healthcare professionals suspecting measles are urged to notify public health officials immediately.
This marks Georgia’s first reported measles case in 2026. In comparison, there were ten confirmed cases statewide in 2025.
Additional information about measles can be found on both the Georgia Department of Public Health website at https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles and on the CDC site at https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
