Georgia measles case now has infected family members

Two family members of the metro Atlanta person diagnosed with measles last month have also contracted the disease, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported Friday.

Measles is a highly infectious, potentially deadly disease that is especially dangerous for children under 5 years old.

Because DPH health workers were watching the case, they knew to be on the lookout for family members and contacts of the original case, who was diagnosed in late January.

Health workers gave the contacts vaccine or antibodies for measles. Even though they had already been exposed to the virus, it still helps reduce the risk of developing measles. They are being monitored for symptoms.

As of now, DPH said, no secondary cases have been reported outside of the first patient’s family.

For people who get the MMR vaccine in time to develop immunity before they’re exposed, just one dose has a 95% success rate of preventing measles. Two doses brings protection to 98%.

Measles: What it is, what to do.

Here are facts and advice from the Georgia Department of Public Health following the three cases announced in late January and this Friday.

IS IT MEASLES?

• Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• 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 appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus.
• These typically include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes.
• Then, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out.
• It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

VACCINATION WORKS

• Most of the patients that measles kills are children under 5 years old.
• The MMR, a vaccine to prevent measles, mumps and rubella, is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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%.
• People with symptoms of measles should contact their health care provider immediately.
• Do not go in person to the doctor’s office, the hospital or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms.
• Health care providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.
• This is the first reported measles case in Georgia in 2025. In 2024, there were six reported cases of measles in Georgia.

For more information about measles, log on to dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or cdc.gov/measles/index.html.