Georgia health officials have confirmed four additional cases of measles connected to a daycare in metro Atlanta, bringing the state’s reported total to 11 cases so far in 2026.

The Georgia Department of Public Health announced the new cases Friday. Officials said the four children were close contacts of a measles case confirmed last week. That initial case involved an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident and was confirmed August 18.

Health officials have not identified the daycare or released the ages of the children. DPH said the children involved were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Investigators are working to identify additional people who may have had close contact with the infected children.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to DPH, the virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.

Symptoms generally develop seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash of small red spots typically follows, beginning around the head before spreading over the body.

DPH says the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. The CDC recommends children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Georgia health officials say more than 95% of people develop immunity after one dose, with protection typically increasing to about 98% following a second dose.

Health officials are also reminding parents that anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should call a healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic. Calling ahead allows medical personnel to take precautions to prevent potentially exposing other patients.

There have been 11 confirmed measles cases in Georgia during 2026, compared with 10 during all of 2025.