The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed five additional cases of measles, bringing the state’s total to 21 cases so far in 2026.

The latest cases involve five siblings in a Jasper County family. State health officials say the individuals were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, and at least one of the siblings has a history of travel outside Georgia.

DPH says the Jasper County cases are not connected to the earlier measles outbreak in Cobb County. Public health officials are working to identify people who may have been exposed through contact with the family.

The latest cases continue an increase in measles activity in Georgia. The state reported 10 confirmed cases during all of 2025, compared with 21 through the end of September this year.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for as long as two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Symptoms typically develop seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can take as long as 21 days to appear. Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash that generally begins on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

DPH says the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between ages four and six.

Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should call a healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic. Calling ahead allows healthcare workers to take precautions to prevent possible exposure to other patients.