ATLANTA (WRDW/WAGT) – State health officials have confirmed a new measles case in Georgia.

The pateient is an unvaccinated resident of metro Atlanta with no known travel history or known exposure to another measles case.

Investigators are working to identify anyone who may have been in contact with the person while they were contagious.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health officials say the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure and can include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• A rash of tiny red spots that starts on the head and spreads to the rest of the body

Doctors say the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is safe and effective at preventing infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

• First dose for children at 12 to 15 months old
• Second dose at 4 to 6 years old
• One dose for babies 6 to 11 months old who are traveling internationally, followed by two more doses after their first birthday

State health officials say more than 95% of people develop immunity after one dose, and protection typically rises to about 98% after a second dose. Vaccinated people also help protect infants and others who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

People who develop possible measles symptoms are urged to contact their health care provider right away — but to call first before going to a doctor’s office, hospital or clinic, so staff can take precautions. Providers who suspect measles are asked to notify public health immediately.

Including this case, Georgia has reported seven measles cases so far in 2026. The state had 10 confirmed cases in 2025.

South Carolina has a major outbreak a few months ago in the Upstate, as well as two cases in Saluda County.

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