Measles outbreak linked to metro Atlanta daycare

Measles Outbreaks Spread In U.S. 1972: In this handout from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a histopathology of measles pneumonia is seen in this microscope image from 1972. Measles outbreaks have been reported throughout the U.S., with the latest reported February 5, 2015 at a daycare in suburban Chicago where as many as five children under the age of one have been infected. (Photo by CDC via Getty Images) (Handout/Getty Images)

By Kimberly Wright

ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed four more measles cases, all of whom were close contacts of the measles case confirmed last week.

The outbreak has been linked to a daycare in the metro Atlanta area.

DPH said the children were either not vaccinated or their vaccinations weren’t complete.

Health authorities are working to identify close contacts of these new cases, as measles is very contagious.

In a statement to Channel 2’s Linda Stouffer, a spokesperson with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning did not release the location of the daycare where the measles exposures happened.

The spokesperson said the agency was “aware of the reported measles exposure involving a childcare center in Metro Atlanta and are deeply concerned for those who may be affected. DECAL is actively working with the center and the Georgia Department of Public Health to ensure an appropriate response consistent with public health guidance and established protocols. Our priority is the health, safety, and well-being of the children, families, and staff involved.”

As of Aug. 28, 11 measles cases have been confirmed in Georgia. Local measles cases include three members of a metro Atlanta family that tested positive back in May.

2026 has seen the highest number of measles cases since 2019, a year which saw 19 confirmed measles cases.

Measles is associated with a telltale rash, but there are a variety of symptoms that appear first, about seven to 14 days after exposure: high fever, cough, runny nose and water eyes.

The rash appears at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

Those with symptoms should contact their healthcare provider but should not go to their provider’s office without calling first.

DPH urges people to vaccinate their children to prevent the spread of measles through the MMR vaccine, which prevents measles and rubella.

This is a developing story.

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