METRO ATLANTA — A metro Atlanta resident has been confirmed to have measles, according to the Department of Public Health.
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The DPH said the case involved an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident. Officials are working to identify anyone who may have been exposed through contact with the person between Jan. 19 and 24. The individual got the virus while traveling within the United States.
This is the first reported measles case in Georgia this year. Last, year there were six reported cases of measles in Georgia.
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Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. Measles can appear as a rash of tiny, red spots that starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
Symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Most at risk are people who have not received the full MMR (measles, mumps, rubella vaccine) typically given in two doses. The first dose is given to children around 12-15 months old and the second dose is given between 4 to 6 years old.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the vaccine is safe. Those with measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Officials say do not go to the doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms.
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