The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of Bryan County. While there is no history of international travel, officials say the individual recently traveled out of state, and DPH is currently notifying those who may have been exposed and are at increased risk of developing the virus.

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 up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area, increasing the risk of transmission in shared spaces.

Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash of tiny red spots that begins on the head and spreads downward across the body. Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider immediately and call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic to prevent further spread.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is considered safe and effective in preventing measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Babies ages 6–11 months traveling internationally are advised to receive one dose before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.

According to health officials, more than 95% of individuals who receive a single MMR dose develop immunity, with protection rising to about 98% after the second dose. Vaccination also helps protect individuals who are too young or medically unable to receive the vaccine.

This marks the second confirmed measles case in Georgia in 2026, following 10 confirmed cases in 2025. For more information, residents can visit the Georgia Department of Public Health or CDC websites.