Fifth case of measles reported in metropolitan Atlanta

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The measles virus Paramyxoviridae from the Morbillivirus family, transmission microscopy view. (Photo: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

ATLANTA – Georgia health authorities have confirmed the fifth case of measles in the Atlanta metropolitan area this year.

On Monday, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced that a resident of the Atlanta metropolitan area who was not fully vaccinated had tested positive for measles.

According to official information, the person came into contact with the virus while traveling abroad.

Although the agency has not released any information identifying the person, a spokesperson said they are working to identify anyone who may have been in contact with the person during the contagious period.

MORE: Measles cases triple compared to last year – five months before outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 220 cases of the virus have been identified in 27 jurisdictions this year — nearly four times the number in 2023. Before this year, the last case of measles in the Atlanta metropolitan area was in 2020.

The virus is extremely contagious and can spread through coughing and sneezing. Measles can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person leaves a room.

Symptoms appear seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus and include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Finally, a red rash forms on the head, which eventually spreads to the body.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children in Georgia receive one dose of the MMR vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months to prevent infection and a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years.

If you or someone close to you is infected, avoid public places and contact your doctor immediately. Do not go to a public health provider without first discussing your symptoms with them.

For more information about the virus, visit the Georgia Department of Health website.