A measles case has been confirmed in a Fulton County resident, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The department is working with the Fulton County Board of Health, Georgia State University (GSU), Inter Atlanta FC, and Sweetgreen to notify individuals who may have been exposed and are at higher risk for developing measles.
DPH is advising healthcare providers to be vigilant for patients presenting with symptoms of measles. According to health officials, symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts at the head and spreads across the body.
The DPH urges anyone who becomes ill or suspects they have been exposed to measles to take appropriate precautions.
Measles can be prevented through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months old and a second dose between ages four and six. A single dose provides immunity for more than 95% of recipients; a second dose increases protection to about 98%. Additional information about measles is available from the Georgia Department of Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“DPH is working with the Fulton County Board of Health, GSU, Inter Atlanta FC, and Sweetgreen to notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and are at an increased risk of developing measles. DPH urges health care providers to maintain heightened awareness for patients with measles.”
