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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in the metro Atlanta area.
Officials say an unvaccinated individual was exposed to measles while traveling out of the country. DPH says it is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with this person while they were infectious.
The last reported case of measles in Georgia was in 2020.
According to the DPH, measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They said the virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
State health offiicals say that measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old.
“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%,” the DPH said in a statement.
People with symptoms are told to contact their heath care provider immediately.
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