The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in Cobb County, officials said Saturday in a statement.
Health officials said an unvaccinated Cobb County resident was confirmed to have the measles and might have exposed others to it between Oct. 31 and Nov. 6.
“DPH is notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and may be at increased risk for developing measles,” the department said.
Anyone who believes they are showing symptoms of measles should contact their health care 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,” DHP said. “Health care providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.”
The measles virus usually starts with a fever, according to DPH. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash of red spots then breaks out starting at the head. It soon spreads to the rest of the body.
Measles can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person was there.
“People may be infected by simply being in a room where an infected person once was,” DPH said. “It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.”
This is the eighth confirmed case in Georgia this year, Channel 2 Action News reported.
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