North Central Health District

DPH Confirms Five Additional Measles Cases in Georgia

Posted September 30, 2026 by NCHD PIO

Measles is spreading, but it is preventable.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed five measles cases in members of a Jasper County family. The individuals are siblings, and they were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. At least one sibling has a history of out-of-state travel.

DPH is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to measles through contact with these individuals. These cases are not related to the earlier outbreak in Cobb County.

Measles 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 is highly contagious, but the MMR vaccine can prevent it.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, but can be up to 21 days. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears starting at the head and spreading to the rest of the body.

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of the 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 traveling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday. Parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule should consult their physician.

More than 95% of 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%. People vaccinated with the MMR vaccine also help protect others who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

Anyone 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.

With these five additional cases, Georgia has 21 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026. Georgia had 10 confirmed measles cases in 2025.

For more information about measles, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/measles-georgia or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.