According to a release from DPH, the two family members may have been exposed through contact with the first person who contracted the virus.
ATLANTA — Two more measles cases have been confirmed in unvaccinated metro Atlanta residents, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) said on Friday. These two cases are family members of the case confirmed last month.
According to a release from DPH, the two family members may have been exposed through contact with the first person who contracted the virus.
Officials said individuals have been given vaccines or antibodies to help reduce the risk of developing measles and are being monitored for symptoms. Currently, no secondary cases have been reported outside of the family.
In 2024, there were six reported cases in the Peach State.
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“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,” the DPH said in the release.
Health officials said measles symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Then, the DPH said a rash of tiny red spots breaks out, starts at the head, and spreads to the rest of the body.
According to the DPH, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old.
The DPH said people with symptoms of measles should call their healthcare provider immediately. Health officials advise first calling your doctor’s office, hospital, or public health clinic to let them know of any symptoms. Healthcare providers who suspect a patient has measles should then notify the DPH.