Georgia DPH Confirms Measles Case

press-releases

Published January 12th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated infant who traveled internationally. This is the first reported case in Georgia in 2026, with 10 cases reported in 2025. DPH is working to identify potential exposures and reminds the public about the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.

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What changed

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a press release confirming a case of measles in an unvaccinated infant residing in the Coastal Health District. The infant acquired the virus during international travel. The DPH is actively engaged in contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

This notice serves as a public health announcement regarding the confirmation of a measles case and reiterates the importance of the MMR vaccine for prevention. It advises individuals experiencing measles symptoms to contact their healthcare provider by phone before visiting to prevent further spread. Healthcare providers are instructed to notify public health immediately if measles is suspected in a patient. This is the first confirmed measles case in Georgia for 2026.

What to do next

Healthcare providers should immediately notify public health if measles is suspected.
Individuals with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting.

Source document (simplified)

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jan. 12, 2026

DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia

MMR Vaccine is Safe and Effective in Preventing Measles ****

ATLANTA —The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in a baby too young to receive routine measles vaccination. The baby, who acquired the virus while traveling internationally, lives in the Coastal Health District. DPH is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to measles through contact with the child.

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. 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 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%. Individuals who are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine also help protect others who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

People with measles symptoms should contact their healthcare 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. Healthcare providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.

This is the first reported measles case in Georgia in 2026. There were 10 confirmed measles cases in Georgia in 2025.

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.