The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed another case of measles, bringing the state’s total to seven cases so far in 2026.

DPH said the latest case involves an unvaccinated resident of metro Atlanta. At this time, health officials have identified no known travel history or exposure to another person infected with measles.

Public health officials are working to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the individual during the period when the person was infectious.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that 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 as long as two hours after an infected person has left an area.

Symptoms generally begin seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash consisting of small red spots typically develops afterward, beginning around the head before spreading to other areas of the body.

Health officials are reminding Georgians that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.

The measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine is recommended for children in two doses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages 4 and 6.

For infants between 6 and 11 months old who will be traveling internationally, the CDC recommends an MMR dose before travel, followed by two additional doses after the child’s first birthday.

According to DPH, more than 95% of people receiving one dose of the MMR vaccine develop immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. A second dose typically increases protection to approximately 98%.

Vaccination also helps protect people who are too young to receive the vaccine or who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

DPH is urging anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles to contact a healthcare provider immediately. People who suspect they may have measles should call ahead before going to a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic so healthcare personnel can take precautions to prevent exposing other patients and staff.

Healthcare providers who suspect a patient has measles are asked to immediately notify public health authorities.

The latest case brings Georgia’s 2026 total to seven. The state recorded 10 confirmed measles cases during all of 2025.