The number of confirmed measles cases associated with the current outbreak has increased to eight, according to a community announcement.
Three additional cases are associated with a previously confirmed case Aug. 18. The outbreak is linked to a daycare setting in metro Atlanta, where the affected children were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, according to a community announcement.
The department is notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and are at an increased risk of developing measles.
Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure, but the range can be from four to 21 days. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash of tiny red spots usually starts at the head
and spreads to the rest of the body.
MMR vaccine can prevent measles
The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Anyone who becomes sick or thinks they may have been exposed to measles is urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately and inform them about the possible exposure. For those without a doctor, the DPH Acute Disease Epidemiology Section can be reached at 404-657-2588 during business hours or 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584) after hours.
It is important not to visit a doctor's office, hospital, or public health clinic without calling first to notify them about the potential contact with measles, according to the announcement. Healthcare providers or public health nurses will provide guidance on the next steps. Individuals who may have been exposed are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others, especially babies younger than 1 year or people with weakened immune systems.
14 measles cases reported in Georgia in 2026
The Department of Public Health urges healthcare providers to maintain heightened awareness of measles. If measles is suspected in a patient, public health should be notified immediately by calling 866-PUB-HLTH (866-782-4584).
With these additional cases, there have been 14 measles cases in Georgia in 2026. In 2025, there were 10 confirmed measles cases in the state.
For more information about measles, visit dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or cdc.gov/measles.
This story was created by a Savannah Morning News editor with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Measles cases rise in Georgia as outbreak spreads
