The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed two additional cases of measles linked to an outbreak at a metro Atlanta daycare, bringing the total number of cases associated with the outbreak to 10, according to a community announcement. So far in 2026, Georgia has reported 16 confirmed measles cases.
The department is continuing to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Symptoms and timeline
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure, but the incubation period can range from four to 21 days. Initial symptoms often include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. These are followed by a rash of tiny red spots that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
Preventive measures
The MMR vaccine can
prevent measles and rubella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine is considered safe and effective.
Parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider.
What to do if you think you've been exposed
Anyone who develops symptoms or suspects they may have been exposed to measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. It is important not to visit a doctor's office, hospital or public health clinic without first calling to inform them of the possible exposure. This helps prevent the spread of the virus to others in healthcare settings.
Individuals who do not have a healthcare provider can call the Georgia Department of Public Health Acute Disease Epidemiology Section at 404-657-2588 during business hours or 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584) after hours.
To reduce the risk of transmission, people who may have been exposed are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others, particularly infants under 1 year of age and individuals with weakened immune systems.
More information about measles is available at georgiameasles.com and on the CDC website.
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: Georgia measles outbreak grows to 10 cases linked to daycare
