Media release from the Georgia Department of Public Health:
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two additional measles cases associated with the outbreak at a metro Atlanta daycare. This brings the outbreak total to 10 cases. Including these additional cases, Georgia has 16 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026. DPH continues to work to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to measles.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, but may range from 4 to 21 days. Symptoms usually start with high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then a rash of tiny red spots breaks out, usually starting at the head and spreading to the rest of the body.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Anyone who becomes sick or thinks they may have been exposed to measles should follow this guidance:
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately and let them know that you may have been exposed to measles. If you do not have a doctor, please call the DPH Acute Disease Epidemiology Section at 404-657-2588 during business hours, Monday through Friday, or 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584) after hours on evenings and weekends.
- DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without FIRST calling to let them know about your possible contact with measles. Your healthcare provider or public health nurse will advise you on what to do.
- Stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially babies less than 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems.
For more information about measles, log on to georgiameasles.com or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
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