DPH Confirms Four Additional Measles Cases in Georgia

August 28, 2026 - 18:01

The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed four new cases of measles in the metro Atlanta area, bringing the total number of infections in the current outbreak to a level that has officials concerned. The latest patients are all residents of the same county, and at least two of them are children under the age of five who had not been vaccinated.

Health officials say the new cases are linked to the earlier cluster that was first identified last month. Contact tracing is underway, and people who may have been exposed at specific healthcare facilities or public locations are being notified. The department is asking anyone who suspects they have been exposed to watch for symptoms, which include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward.

Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. The DPH is strongly recommending that all residents check their immunization records. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is safe and effective, and two doses provide about 97 percent protection. Officials emphasize that vaccination is the best way to prevent further spread, especially in schools and daycare centers where outbreaks can escalate quickly.

No deaths have been reported, but the department warns that measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling, particularly in infants and unvaccinated individuals. The DPH continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available.