The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed three new measles cases involving members of a metro Atlanta family who recently traveled internationally.

Health officials say the family members were not vaccinated against measles. According to DPH, the individuals were not infectious while traveling but developed symptoms after returning home. Public health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have been exposed through contact with the family.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health officials say the virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Symptoms usually appear between seven and 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading across the body.

The Department of Public Health is encouraging families to make sure vaccinations are up to date. The MMR vaccine — which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella — is considered safe and highly effective.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months old and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Officials also recommend infants ages 6 to 11 months receive one dose before international travel.

Health experts say more than 95 percent of people receiving one dose develop immunity, while a second dose increases protection to about 98 percent.

Anyone experiencing measles symptoms is urged to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic to help prevent additional exposure.

Including these latest cases, Georgia has now confirmed five measles cases in 2026. The state recorded 10 confirmed cases during all of 2025.