DPH confirms measles case in Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated Bryan County resident. DPH officials said the infected individual has no history of international travel but recently traveled out of state.

DPH records show this marks the second confirmed measles case in Georgia in 2026. The state reported 10 confirmed measles cases in 2025.

Initial signs of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash of tiny red spots follows, starting at the head and spreading across the body. Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure.

Health officials caution that measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

“Parents with questions about the vaccine or vaccination schedule should consult their physician,” DPH officials said in a statement.