ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed the state’s first measles case of 2026. The case involves an infant in the Coastal Health District who was too young to receive the routine vaccination before traveling internationally, where the virus was acquired.
DPH officials are currently working to trace and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the child. This case follows a year in which Georgia saw 10 confirmed measles cases in 2025.
Understanding the Risks
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It is primarily a respiratory disease that spreads through the air via coughing or sneezing.+1
- Airborne Longevity: The virus can remain active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room.
- High Contagion Rate: If one person has measles, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. The progression generally follows this pattern:
- Early Signs: High fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
- Koplik Spots: Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth 2–3 days after initial symptoms.
- The Rash: A red, blotchy rash usually begins at the head (hairline) and spreads downward to the rest of the body.
Vaccination Guidelines for Travelers
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection. While the routine schedule starts at 12 months, the CDC has specific recommendations for international travelers:
- Infants (6–11 months): Should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine before traveling abroad. Note: This “early” dose does not count toward the routine series; the child will still need two more doses after their first birthday.
- Children (12 months+): Should have two doses of the MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
- Adults: Those with no evidence of immunity should receive at least one dose, though two are recommended for international travel.
Important: If You Suspect Infection
If you or your child develop symptoms, DO NOT walk into a doctor’s office or hospital without notice.
- Call ahead: Notify your healthcare provider of your symptoms and recent travel history. This allows the facility to take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to other patients in the waiting room.
For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
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