Special to the WJH
ATLANTA— A measles case in a baby too young to receive a routine measles vaccination has been confirmed, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) announced Monday.
The baby, who acquired the virus while traveling internationally, lives in the Coastal Health District. DPH is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to measles through contact with the child.
This is the first reported measles case in Georgia in 2026. There were 10 confirmed measles cases in Georgia in 2025.
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
Symptoms of the virus typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
People with measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Do not, however, go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms. Healthcare providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health officials immediately.
